DeGette Hails Food Safety Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today hailed the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008 released by the committee. The discussion draft includes a mandatory recall provision built upon legislation introduced by DeGette, H.R. 3484, the SAFER Act.

"Congress is taking the necessary action to restore public confidence in our nation's food safety system. With a record number of food recalls over the last year, we must ensure the safety of our food products by giving government the tools to strengthen the system. While tainted foods have been recalled voluntarily, many should have happened quicker to avoid further distribution of the contaminated product and sickness. Giving the government mandatory recall authority is imperative to ensure quick removal of contaminated products from our grocery stores before they reach our dinner tables.

"The Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008 is ground-breaking food safety legislation and is the first step in strengthening our food safety system. I am pleased that it includes a mandatory recall provision that will allow the government to take swift action to ensure the safety of our food. I look forward to working with the committee on moving this legislation forward."

DeGette has also introduced H.R. 3485, the TRACE Act, which requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a product tracing system for all food products from their origin to the market, enabling faster and more complete recall in the event of contamination.

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