The Food Safety Bill is becoming a top priority for Congress. A bill already passed in the House about this time last year. Now the Senate is working on a bill as well. American Farm Bureau likes the Senate version better than the House’s bill because it builds on what is already working when it comes to food safety.
American Farm Bureau’s Kelli Ludlum says the Senate version uses current food safety rules that work as a foundation to improve food safety laws. But what’s the biggest concern with the bill…
“We really pushed for some additional accountability on FDA in terms of doing recalls, or even issuing warnings and public advisories for that matter. So, if they erroneously identify a product as a target of a recall or a public health advisory then growers could try to regain some compensation for those lost marketing opportunities.”
In 2008 - the tomato market was erroneously blamed for Salmonella poisoning when actually it was peppers that were the problem. Another aspect to this bill is the traceability requirements - and Ludlum says AFBF wants to make it simple and easy enough for the farmer as possible…
“I think what we’re probably looking at is that if you’re growing fruits and vegetables that’s been a target of a recall in the last few years that there may be a requirement that you’d have to retain, sort of records kept in the normal course of business, and we’re pushing for some language that shoe boxes and glove boxes count, but, that you would have to retain those records for six months. And again, that would allow for most fresh produce to make it through the cycle.”
Ludlum says AFBF believes USDA needs to stay in power to inspect meat, poultry and egg products instead of FDA taking control. AFBF says USDA works well with farmers and processors to keep their production practices as modern and safe as possible.
|