Dingell Warns of Continued Inaction on Food Safety Legislation

Congressman Responds to Current Alfalfa Sprout and Romaine-Based Salad Recalls

Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks about the current recalls of raw alfalfa sprouts linked to Salmonella and Fresh Express Romaine-based ready-to-eat salads. Some Caldwell Fresh Foods alfalfa sprouts have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections in consumers in ten states. A total of 22 cases have been confirmed; and six of the cases have been hospitalized. Some Fresh Express Romaine-based ready-to-eat salads have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall extends to products sold in 26 states and is based on an instance in which a package salad was confirmed positive for Salmonella in a random sample test conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"It is unfortunate that we find ourselves reading of more foodborne illness outbreaks that have touched the lives of American consumers. This double whammy should open our eyes to the dangers that exist when it comes to our food supply. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."

"It is true that we have one of the safest food supplies in the world. Unfortunately, this title does not suffice. The continuing stream of recalls and illness demonstrate that more can and must be done. We can no longer close our eyes and hope our food safety problems will go away. We can do better than that, and the American people deserve more than that.

"Fortunately, we do not have to start from scratch in trying to come up with a way to address these problems. Strong, bipartisan legislation to address these concerns passed the House almost ten months ago. Similar legislation rests in the Senate. I urge my Senate colleagues to acknowledge this important threat and make legislation addressing it a priority. Until the Senate acts, American families will continue to be at risk."

Congressman Dingell is the author of H.R. 2749, the "Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009". H.R. 2749 would grant FDA the authority and resources needed to ensure the safety of the nation's food supply. H.R. 2749 passed the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2009. Similar legislation awaits action in the U.S. Senate.

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