“This outbreak has been particularly disturbing both for its deadly result and for the continuing health and economic costs it is placing upon American families and businesses,” said DeGette. “Colorado health authorities did a good job of working with the federal government and quickly determining the farm that is the source of the tainted cantaloupe. However, the inability to track which retailers across the country may be selling these specific melons has not only frightened consumers across the country and jeopardized their health, but has had devastating economic costs for other Colorado and national cantaloupe growers swept up in a recall that did not involve their fruit.

“One of the primary functions of government is to protect its citizens. As the death toll sadly continues to climb, a Congressional hearing into this matter would help us identify better ways for government and industry to work together to respond to foodborne illnesses, and hopefully determine effective means to prevent these types of outbreaks in the future. I have long been committed to better securing our food safety system and I am certain my colleagues on the Committee will join me now in making these hearings a priority. ”

The full text of the letter is available online here.

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