March 11, 2009
Contact: Mike Donohue (202) 331-5902, Maureen Ryan (202) 331-5939

(Washington, D.C.) – National Restaurant Association Board Member Ken Conrad testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Regulations and Healthcare. Conrad is chairman of the board of Libby Hill Seafood Restaurants, Inc. in Greensboro N.C.

At the hearing entitled, "Impact of Food Recalls on Small Businesses," Conrad discussed the challenges associated with recalling products and the negative impact on consumer trust. In his testimony, he emphasized the need for thorough, complete and accurate traceback investigations that can identify implicated products and minimize the impact to the industry. Conrad also highlighted the importance of preventing contamination and foodborne-illness outbreaks by strengthening the food safety system.

"It is a new day for the restaurant industry as the issues and challenges of the food supply chain in a global market become increasingly complex, and today's hearing will bring to light many of the serious concerns associated with food recalls," said Conrad. "We must all work together to improve the system."

"We are grateful to Chairwoman Dahlkemper for holding today's hearing and calling attention to the important issue of food recalls," said National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Beth Johnson. "We are pleased that Ken is able to come before the subcommittee members and provide his insight and expertise. As a longtime restaurateur, Ken understands that importance of food safety and the impact that food recalls have on the industry.

"The safety of the food supply continues to be the restaurant industry's number one priority. The need for reform is apparent, and we believe it is time to take a fresh approach to reforming the food safety system. The National Restaurant Association supports a comprehensive farm-to-table strategy in which we can all work together to improve food safety and make the needed reforms."

In addition to serving on the board of directors for the National Restaurant Association, Conrad is also chair of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association and vice chair of the National Fisheries Institute.

Recently, the National Restaurant Association praised the introduction two pieces of bipartisan
legislation calling for food safety reform: the Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting (FEAST) Act in the House and the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 in the Senate.

The National Restaurant Association is actively involved in the food safety debate as the issue moves forward in the 111th Congress. The Association will continue to provide leadership that stresses continuous improvement in food safety at the state, federal, and international levels.