Calls on Congress to Pass Comprehensive Food Safety Legislation Giving the FDA New Authorities to Protect Consumers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today released the below statement regarding the announcement by the White House on its key findings of the Food Safety Working Group. The Food Safety Working Group, created by President Obama in March, advises the Administration on how to upgrade the food safety system for the 21st century. The Working Group is recommending a new, public health-focused approach to food safety based on three core principles: prioritizing prevention; strengthening surveillance and enforcement; and improving response and recovery.
Last month, the Energy and Commerce Committee approved The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 by a unanimous vote. Among other improvements, the bill incorporates U.S. Rep. DeGette’s two major food safety priorities, mandatory recall authority and traceability, which she has introduced every Congress since 2002.
“I applaud the Obama Administration’s announcement today that it is doing everything within its legal power to improve the safety of our food safety system. For too long, our food safety system has had gaping holes leaving American consumers vulnerable to tainted foods. It is good news that the Administration is implementing the recommendations of the Food Safety Working Group, but Congress must still pass comprehensive legislation to bolster the legal authority of our food safety agencies.
“This legislation, passed with bipartisan and unanimous support by the Committee, institutes preventative measures such as food safety plans, increased inspections, and better enforcement. Also, implementing mandatory recall and traceability would help get contaminated food off our store shelves more quickly in the event of an emergency. These important upgrades of our food safety laws will complement the Administration’s actions today.”
Last month, the Energy and Commerce Committee approved The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 by a unanimous vote. Among other improvements, the bill incorporates U.S. Rep. DeGette’s two major food safety priorities, mandatory recall authority and traceability, which she has introduced every Congress since 2002.
“I applaud the Obama Administration’s announcement today that it is doing everything within its legal power to improve the safety of our food safety system. For too long, our food safety system has had gaping holes leaving American consumers vulnerable to tainted foods. It is good news that the Administration is implementing the recommendations of the Food Safety Working Group, but Congress must still pass comprehensive legislation to bolster the legal authority of our food safety agencies.
“This legislation, passed with bipartisan and unanimous support by the Committee, institutes preventative measures such as food safety plans, increased inspections, and better enforcement. Also, implementing mandatory recall and traceability would help get contaminated food off our store shelves more quickly in the event of an emergency. These important upgrades of our food safety laws will complement the Administration’s actions today.”
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