Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries. Click to learn more.

Fee or tax?

Like the budgets of other administrations before it, the Bush 2004 budget contains “user fees” on food processing facilities regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Some $122 million would be raised by fees imposed by meat, poultry, and egg processors who want government inspectors to work extra shifts.

In the past, these user fees were included for FDA-regulated foods. User fees are really “new and regressive federal food taxes,” said the National Food Processors Assn. Once again, the food industry argues that the regulation of food safety is a fundamental government function, which should be paid for out of general funds.

Both the food industry and some consumer groups believe that changing to an industry-funded regulatory system would undermine public confidence in the safety of the food supply. Congress has always agreed and dropped user fees in the final budget. But with deficits running high, it remains to be seen if legislators will maintain this position.

Conveyor setup secrets from top CPG manufacturers
7 proven steps to eliminate downtime and boost packaging line efficiency. Free expert playbook reveals maintenance, sequencing, and handling strategies.
Read More
Conveyor setup secrets from top CPG manufacturers
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce