Common-sense Ideas for Food Safety

Statement

As we've seen with the recent food safety outbreaks and recalls, the Food and Drug Administration does not have everything it needs to fully monitor threats against our food supply. When the Senate reconvenes in September, we will debate, and I hope pass, a new food safety bill.

I worked with the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on the Food Safety Modernization Act, and I co-sponsored the EAT SAFE Act -- a bill that would strengthen the food safety system by enhancing our ability to detect smuggled food products and improve the reliability of laboratory testing -- with Senator Bob Casey.

The EAT SAFE Act addresses the serious risks associated with our nation's food supply by applying common-sense measures to protect our food and agricultural supply.

The Food Safety Modernization Act, as passed out of committee, is supported by a broad consensus of groups. While this bill has bipartisan support, we need to pay close attention to amendments that would have a negative impact and impose unnecessary burdens on small producers and businesses. For example, we must be cognizant of the ramifications of any legislation on farmers and processors who are working with farmers markets, road side stands or directly with local restaurants.

Confidence in our food supply is vital for our nation's peace of mind and the success of our farmers. The problems revealed by the egg recall this month may give the Senate majority leader the push he seems to need to bring up the food-safety bill.

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