DeLauro Questions FDA: Did Breakdowns

In the System Lead to E. Coli Outbreak?

– Calls for Oversight Hearing of Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee –  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) co-chair of the House Food Safety Caucus and ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, today questioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over possible breakdowns in the system that lead to the outbreak of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. Coli) in bagged spinach in 21 states, including DeLauro’s home state of Connecticut. 

“I have concerns about the length of time that elapsed from the beginning of the outbreak to the time in which consumers were notified,” said DeLauro.  “This outbreak has significant implications for consumers around the country – we must restore confidence in the spinach industry and the food safety system established by the government.  The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee must convene an immediate oversight hearing on this matter.”

The full text of the letter follows.

September 19, 2006

The Honorable Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D

Director

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

Food and Drug Administration

5100 Paint Branch Parkway

College Park , MD   20740-3835

Dear Dr. Brackett: 

I am writing regarding the recent E. coli 0157:H7outbreak involving packaged spinach.  I wanted to commend you and your staff for the steps that you have taken since FDA first became aware of the current outbreak on September 13^th to notify the public about it.  Your Center has been among the hardest hit by budget cuts and reprogramming, yet your office continues to demonstrate the diligence and professionalism that the American people count on. 

I do, however, have some concerns about the length of time from the beginning of the outbreak to when consumers were notified.  I also would like to know how the agency is coordinating its efforts with the CDC and state and local health officials to restore consumer confidence in the safety of fresh produce.

According to media reports, the first illness connected to this E. coli outbreak began on August 2, and most of the illnesses reported occurred from August 26 through September 9.  Health officials from various states claim that they received the first reports of illnesses on August 25, while the FDA was informed on September 13 and issued a warning to consumers the following day.  I am sure you agree that it is very important to narrow the gap between the date the illness is first detected and the date that consumer warnings are first issued.

As you continue your investigation into this E. coli outbreak, I would appreciate you promptly providing for me the following information and answers to my questions:

·         Please provide a timeline from August 2nd through September 18th that details the knowledge of the outbreak and response to it by local, state, and federal health officials.

·         Why did it take 6 weeks for FDA to become aware of this problem, and what steps could be taken to shorten the time? 

·         How can we improve the communication and coordination between the states, CDC, and FDA to ensure an expeditious process in getting the word out to the public?

·         Please identify additional resources, expanded authority, or enhanced collaboration between other federal, state and local agencies that would have made the outbreak investigation more timely and effective.

·         Given that the CDC also plays a key role during a food safety crisis such as this, how did the agency coordinate its efforts with the CDC?

·         As you well know, the Food-borne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) and PulseNet are key components of our nation’s early warning food safety system.  Provide any plans developed by FDA, CDC, or USDA to expand  this early warning system to assist local, state, and federal responses in similar investigations?

·         And finally, the President's Council on Food Safety was established in 1998 “to coordinate food safety policy and resources.”  What is the status of the council?  Who are its current members?  Please provide a list of meetings, activities, and work products of the council from its inception through August 2006?

I realize the investigation is ongoing and requires an intensive effort by your office.  However, I would appreciate a response to these questions as soon as possible, but no later than the close of business on Friday, September 29th.  Thank you for your attention to this issue.

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                            ROSA L. DeLAURO

                                                            Ranking Member