The system would require the industry to adopt food-safety measures such as product tests and checks on foreign suppliers, the report said.

The trade group is also lobbying Congress for more funds for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and it is working with federal and state officials and other groups toward a model regulation for farms and packing houses, the report said.

"It's in our interest to have a strong FDA," the Journal quoted GMA President Cal Dooley as saying. "We need to have consumer confidence in the food products."

The association represents companies such as Kraft Foods Inc and Coca-Cola Co as well as smaller, family-owned companies, the report said.

The GMA could not immediately be reached for comment.