DeLauro Statement on Pet Food Contamination Hearing

Press Release

DeLauro Statement on Pet Food Contamination Hearing

As Congress convenes an oversight hearing on FDA's response to the pet food recall, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3), submitted the following testimony about the significant questions this recall has raised about the safety not only of our food, but of our pets as well. DeLauro, chairwoman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over FDA funding, has been a long-time advocate for improving the nation's food safety system pressing for a consolidated food safety agency.

Additionally, in her testimony, DeLauro focuses on the inspection statistics of imported foods and announced her intent to further explore FDA's inspections in a follow-up hearing before the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.

Below is the text of her testimony.

"Mr. Chairman, I want to commend you for calling this hearing and thank you very much for the opportunity to present testimony.

"The recent pet food recall has raised very serious questions about the safety, not only of our food, but of our pets as well. It is very unfortunate that not even the family pet is immune from the food safety problems that are plaguing our country. In response to the letter that you and I sent to the FDA, Mr. Chairman, the agency claims that it is not ignoring its responsibility in the pet food area. However, to the many Americans who have lost their pets to contaminated foods, the initial evidence would suggest that the FDA is failing its responsibilities to protect pets from unsafe food as much as it is failing to protect American consumers.

"As you have stated, Mr. Chairman, the FDA's response to this situation has been tragically slow, and pet owners deserve answers. The uncertainty about which foods have been recalled and what is safe to feed their pets has gone on far too long. Like you, I want to know how often pet food manufacturing plants are being inspected, and whether we need to force the FDA to modernize its regulations to protect our pets.

"Early in the process, I also was troubled by FDA's underreporting the number of pets affected by the contaminated foods. At one point, the agency reported that only 16 pets had died when in fact, the number was significantly higher than that.

"And of course, I do not have to remind you Mr. Chairman that the FDA has no authority to mandate recalls and instead relies on information submitted by companies. We saw yesterday how problematic this arrangement can be when Menu Foods admitted that a "clerical error" caused the company to overlook a shipment of potentially contaminated wheat gluten from one of its plants in the U.S. to one in Canada . This gap delayed a recall of some cat food made in Canada .

"We are all aware of the disturbing statistics related to imported foods. The U.S. now imports far more foods than it exports, but there are fewer inspectors for imported foods. Currently, FDA inspects less than one percent of the food imported into this country that it is responsible for regulating. Also, the FDA does not require that exporting countries to have food safety regulatory structures that are equivalent to the U.S. standards. Given that the contaminated pet food appears to be connected to wheat gluten imported from China only heightens my concern about the agency's ability to inspect imported products. It is this aspect of the pet food recall crisis that I am particularly troubled about and intend to examine further in a follow-up hearing before the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.

"It very well may be that FDA lacks the resources to adequately inspect pet food facilities and imported products. And this is an area, Mr. Chairman, where we could work together to make a direct impact.

"However, we also should examine whether this is a management issue. In its response letter to us, Mr. Chairman, the FDA says it has not determined whether changes in current law or resources are necessary based on the pet food recall. I find it mind-boggling that this agency always refuses to even consider requesting additional authorities or resources to help it do its job. As we all know, that is unheard of in Washington .

"The FDA likes to demonstrate its commitment to food safety by pointing out that ‘food' is the first word in its name. However, its actions suggest otherwise, highlighting the need for legislation that would create a single food safety agency - a bill that you and I have worked on for quite a long time now, Mr. Chairman.

"I look forward to FDA's analysis of their oversight of pet food manufacturing facilities and the final report on the actions that the agency took once the crisis finally ends. I think it will play a key role as we determine the best steps to take in moving forward.

"Thank you again, Mr. Chairman for allowing me to present testimony at this hearing and I look forward to continuing to work with you on this issue."

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