Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Outbreak Of Illness Linked Tainted Cantaloupes And The Food Safety Accountability Act

Statement

"It has been reported that tainted cantaloupe has now been linked to at least 13 deaths and more than 70 illnesses in 18 states. There is no evidence at this time of any intentional misconduct in this case, and the company involved appears to be taking responsible steps to contain the outbreak. But this sad episode highlights how vulnerable we all are to tainted food entering the marketplace.

"The Senate unanimously passed the Food Safety Accountability Act. This important bill will hold criminals who knowingly poison our food supply accountable for their crimes, and help to prevent this dangerous misconduct in the future. Now, more than ever, the House of Representatives should follow the Senate's example and pass this non-controversial legislation."

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