A U.S. representative has introduced a bill that would allow the FDA to share information with state and local entities for the purpose of investigating foodborne outbreaks and food recalls.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Deborah Ross, D-North Carolina, is called the Federal State and Food Safety Information Act. Ross said she introduced the bill in response to the current nationwide Listeria outbreak traced to Boar’s Head meats.
Inspection and regulatory powers related to the Boar’s Head situation fall under the authority of the USDA, but Ross said the FDA also needs more power to share information with other public health agencies.
“We must enable the Food and Drug Administration to share information with the state and local agencies responsible not only for conducting the majority of food safety inspections across the country, but also for protecting Americans in times of crisis,” Ross said in announcing the proposed legislation. .
The Boar’s Head outbreak has sickened at least 57 people, killing nine. All the patients were so ill that they had to be hospitalized.
The Boar’s Head plant in southern Virginia has been repeatedly cited for violations over the past two years, including the presence of mold, insects, a “rancid odor” and other problems, according to reports from USDA inspectors.
Ross’ proposed legislation would allow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to share information with state and local regulatory agencies, which are responsible for conducting most food safety inspections, according to a news release.
The FDA does not currently have the authority to share this information because it is considered proprietary.
Ross cited communications between federal and local agencies in North Carolina, which resulted in a nationwide recall of lead-contaminated applesauce last year, as an example of how sharing information for food safety benefits people.
“In my home state of North Carolina, we saw how effective information sharing between federal and state agencies during a food safety crisis led to a recall that saved lives in states across the country,” said Ross.
In part the Federal State and Food Safety Information Act would allow FDA to share information with a state, local, tribal, or territorial authority with counterparts in connection with the protection of public health, unredacted information held by the Food and Drug Administration regarding one of the following:
(A) Foodborne illness surveillance data.
(B) Information about laboratory sampling tests.
(C) Inspection information and results.
(D) Distribution lists for recalls and outbreaks.
(E) Consumer Complaints.
(F) Any other information the Secretary determines will assist such authority in protecting the public.
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