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FMI urges Congress to pass liability protections

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WASHINGTON — As retailers are urging Congress to move forward with a bipartisan stimulus package to shore up an economy still hobbled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the food industry is also insisting that targeted, limited liability protections for businesses be part of any legislation passed.

FMI“As Congress works to conclude its end-of-session legislative items, I cannot state strongly enough how critical it is that Congress provides limited, temporary liability protections that recognize the extraordinary efforts made by supermarkets and food industry associates to follow government guidance and keep associates and customers safe during the pandemic,” said Leslie Sarasin, president and chief executive officer of FMI — The Food Industry Association. “The businesses that have acted in good faith and have implemented best practices that reflect the existing state of science and the resulting government safety directives should not have to face lawsuits that second guess after the fact those directives and industry’s efforts to implement them.”

Sarasin added that the matter should be considered urgent.

“There simply cannot be a successful economic recovery without these protections,” she said. “The food industry calls on Congress to pass limited liability before the end of the year.”

Last week the National Retail Federation said in a statement that it was encouraged by the announcement of a $900 billion bipartisan coronavirus stimulus package.

“NRF and our members have been vocal and consistent in our calls for additional, targeted fiscal stimulus and the extension of expiring coronavirus relief measures,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. ‘We are encouraged by news of bipartisan discussions about meaningful and comprehensive stimulus measures to help support consumers, small businesses, states and health care professionals. We urge Senate and House leadership to move expeditiously and pass stimulus legislation. A bipartisan plan to keep the economy moving in the right direction with job creation and sustainable economic growth is urgently needed.”


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