DeLauro Statement on the Domestic Use of Melamine in Pelleted Animal Feed

Statement

DeLauro Statement on the Domestic Use of Melamine in Pelleted Animal Feed

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) issued the following statement regarding the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) announcement that a domestic US company, Tembec BTLSR, Inc. of Toledo, Ohio, added melamine to improve the binding properties of pelleted feed for cattle, sheep, and goats, or fish and shrimp.

"The announcement that a U.S. company used melamine in animal feed, not only serves as a reminder of the domestic food safety problems we face, but also of the comprehensive effort and commitment that will be required to reform the system and restore consumer confidence.

"Given that the pet food recall was first announced over two months ago, I am forced to question FDA's ability to fully investigate the melamine problem. Resolving our serious food safety problems will require a full commitment from FDA management to understand the depth of the issues before deciding where additional resources are appropriate. I am reluctant to simply provide FDA with additional funding without a full accounting of how those resources will be applied."

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