Food Safety Legislation First Step
Statement
FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION FIRST STEP
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 2009 introduced by Chairman Emeritus John Dingell (D-MI), Chairman Bart Stupak (D-MI), and Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ). The measure includes a mandatory recall provision built upon legislation introduced by DeGette, H.R. 3484, the SAFER Act.
"Congress is taking the critical step forward 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. The recent outbreak of salmonella in peanut butter and last year's jalapeno scare should be reason enough to move forward with this important legislation. 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.
"As a sponsor of the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2009, I am confident that this ground-breaking food safety legislation will begin to strengthen 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."
Signing on the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2009 today as a sponsor, U.S. Rep. DeGette also has championed 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. U.S. Rep. DeGette plans on reintroducing both H.R. 3484 and 3485 soon during the 111th Congress. She will be working with her colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to move these pieces of legislation forward.
Source