Klobuchar Statement on Report that 1 Ton of Recalled Peanuts Found in 16 Minnesota Schools

Press Release

Klobuchar Statement on Report that 1 Ton of Recalled Peanuts Found in 16 Minnesota Schools

Klobuchar continues to push for reform in our food safety system

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement today following a report by Minnesota Public Radio that at least 16 schools across Minnesota have found more than 1 ton of recalled peanuts in their inventories. As member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Klobuchar said she will seek answers from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about the National School Lunch Program's procurement practices and safeguards.

Later today, Klobuchar will meet with the family of Shirley Mae Almer of Perham, Minnesota, who died after eating contaminated peanut butter.

"I am deeply troubled by the news that schools across Minnesota have found more than 1 ton of recalled peanuts in their kitchens. When we send our kids to school, we expect them to be safe. No parent should have to fear for their child's safety because of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Considering the vulnerable population served by the National School Lunch Program, there is no room for error when it comes to making sure that foods in school are absolutely safe.

"I believe the first responsibility of a government is to protect its citizens. But, when a government can't even guarantee the safety of the food its citizens eat, it's failing in its most basic responsibility. I will continue to push for reform in our food safety system to make sure this doesn't happen again. And I will continue to closely follow the Department of Justice's investigation of the company that shipped these peanuts to make sure justice is served."

On February 2, 2009, Klobuchar sent a letter to President Obama urging him to appoint a new commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration and begin the process of reforming the federal government's food safety system.

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