Senator Charles Schumer recently stopped by Saranac, a small brewery in New York, to discuss the FDA’s proposed ruling on spent grain. The current ruling was proposed as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and represents an unwarranted burden for brewers and farmers. During the meeting, Senator Schumer warned of the cost it could have for these local small brewers:

“The brewing industry estimates that compliance with the proposed rule would cost brewers in America about 50 million dollars and would be a real burden for small brewers who produce less than 1,000 barrels of beer annually.”

Due in part to the support that brewers across the country are gaining from their government officials on this issue, the FDA has announced that it will be proposing a revised ruling. The Brewers Association will continue to watch and report on this situation as it unfolds.