[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E164-E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 
                            60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Frozen 
Food Institute (AFFI) on the occasion of its 60th Anniversary of 
service to the food industry. AFFI is the only national trade 
association representing the entire spectrum of frozen food 
professionals, including processors, suppliers of goods and services, 
transporters and marketers.
  Like other complex enterprises, the frozen food industry benefits not 
only from competition, but also from cooperative, coordinated action. 
Launched in 1942 by 19 frozen fruit and vegetable packers, the National 
Association of Frozen Food Packers went on to become today's American 
Frozen Food Institute. AFFI's more than 500 member companies account 
for over 90 percent of the total annual production of frozen food in 
the United States, valued at more than $60 billion.
  AFFI works to ensure that nourishing and convenient frozen foods are 
continually abundant, reliable, varied, satisfying and economical. 
During its years of growing use and popularity, the technology of 
frozen foods has earned its place among modern America's constructive 
innovations.
  When Clarence Birdseye, one March morning in 1930, optimistically 
combined an inventor's creativity with a salesman's confidence and 
arrayed his selection of neatly packaged, quick-frozen foods into a 
grocery store display case in Springfield, Massachusetts, he 
inaugurated an industry that would forever change the way the world 
eats.
  The industry's momentum initially was driven by the economy and 
convenience of frozen foods. However, a further reality ultimately 
would ensure their enthusiastic endorsement by health experts: frozen 
foods supply superior nutrition. Following years of scientific studies 
at the University of Illinois, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
concluded in 1998 that fruits and vegetables picked at peak freshness 
and immediately frozen contain as many, and often more, nutrients than 
their raw equivalents. Moreover, for food of all kinds, modern freezing 
and packaging means unsurpassed food safety, reliable product 
consistency, and year-round availability anywhere.
  In addition, I would invite my colleagues to join Congressman Cal 
Dooley and me on September 25 at the Frozen Food Filibuster, a 
reception showcasing the variety of frozen foods here in the Cannon 
Caucus Room. Congressman Dooley and I are co-chairmen of the frozen 
food caucus on Capitol Hill. Caucus participants are Members of 
Congress who have AFFI member companies' headquarters or plants located 
within their district, or an interest in the food industry in general. 
The Institute briefs the membership periodically on issues that affect 
their constituents who work in the frozen food industry. Our goal is to 
ensure the caucus is as active and innovative as the nation's frozen 
food companies.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute 
to the American Frozen Food Institute. Our democratic institutions

[[Page E165]]

are served well by having responsible industry associations, who care 
about the active participation of their companies in the legislative 
and regulatory process. I am confident that AFFI will continue to serve 
the food community for many years, well into the future. We wish them 
the very best on this special occasion.

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