Taco Bell E. Coli Outbreak Latest in Long List of Food Safety Concerns this Year, Says DeLauro

Taco Bell E. Coli Outbreak Latest in Long List of Food Safety Concerns this Year, Says DeLauro

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today issued the following statement on the outbreak of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. Coli) that has been linked to three Taco Bell restaurants in New Jersey . DeLauro is the ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee - a subcommittee she is likely to chair in the 110th Congress - and co-chair of the Congressional Food Safety Caucus. For two consecutive Congresses, DeLauro and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) have introduced The Safe Food Act - legislation that would consolidate all food safety surveillance activities and establish the Food Safety Administration, responsible for the administration and enforcement of our food safety laws.

"The E. coli outbreak that has been linked to three Taco Bell restaurants is the latest in a long list of examples this year of how our food safety system is under attack. Scientists from state and federal agencies and the companies affected are doing all they can to reduce or eliminate the problem, but they continue to encounter a confusing and unresponsive food safety protection system and countless Americans continue to fall ill. With outdated regulations and an administration that refuses to acknowledge the problems with our nation's food system, the public health is at risk. It is time for Congress to closely examine this issue."

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/December/Taco%20Bell_Ecoli_12_05_06.html