Food Protection Training Institute Takes Another Step Forward as House Passes Food Safety Bill

Press Release

Food Protection Training Institute Takes Another Step Forward as House Passes Food Safety Bill

Schauer working to build momentum for long-term federal support of Training Institute in Battle Creek

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, a landmark bill that gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new powers to protect our families from contaminated food.

Congressman Mark Schauer advocated for a measure in the bill that directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to provide financial assistance to establish and maintain one or more food protection training institutes. If passed by the U.S. Senate and signed into law, the bill would help lay the groundwork for establishing and funding the International Food Protection Training Institute in Battle Creek.

"In the past week, tea and lettuce were the latest contaminated food products to get pulled from supermarket shelves," said Schauer. "Following the enrollment of its first class and the recent House approval of funding for the Food Protection Training Institute in Battle Creek, this vote marks another important step forward for this critical project."

Earlier this month, the House approved the Agriculture Appropriations Act of 2010, which included $1 million in funding for the Institute requested by Congressman Schauer.

This spring, Schauer introduced a bill with Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) to establish and fund the International Food Protection Training Institute, with the goal of improving food safety inspections and protecting consumers from health hazards that cost lives. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate with Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI).

"To sustain this momentum, the next step is to advance our bills in both the House and Senate," said Schauer. "With bipartisan, bicameral support, I'm optimistic that we'll be able to secure long-term federal support for the Food Protection Training Institute in Battle Creek."

Working in conjunction with the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), the Institute offers courses for in-person and on-line training to ensure that state and local food inspectors are fully equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to competently and adequately assure the safety of the nation's food supply. The Institute's first class was announced earlier this spring.

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