U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow the FDA to share information with state and local governments for the purposes of investigating foodborne disease outbreaks and food recalls.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Deborah Ross, D-N.C. Federal and state food safety information lawsRoss said he filed the bill in response to a nationwide listeria outbreak that was traced to Boar’s Head deli meats.
While inspection and regulatory authority related to the Boar’s Head situation falls under the USDA’s jurisdiction, Ross said the FDA also needs more authority to share information with other public health agencies.
“We need to give the Food and Drug Administration the authority not only to conduct the majority of the nation’s food safety inspections, but also to share information with state and local agencies that are responsible for keeping Americans safe during a crisis,” Governor Ross said when announcing the bill.
The Boar’s Head outbreak has infected at least 57 people and killed nine, all of whom were seriously ill and required hospitalization.
According to USDA inspector reports, the Boar’s Head plant in southern Virginia has been cited for repeated violations over the past two years, including problems with mold, mildew, insects and odors.
According to a press release, Ross’ proposed bill would allow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to share information with state and local regulators, who are responsible for conducting the majority of food safety inspections.
Because this information is considered confidential, the FDA does not currently have the authority to share this information.
Ross cited communication between federal and local governments in North Carolina last year that led to a nationwide recall of lead-contaminated applesauce as an example of how sharing information about food safety can benefit people.
“In my home state of North Carolina, I saw firsthand how effective information sharing between federal and state agencies during a food safety crisis led to life-saving food recalls in states across the country,” Ross said.
In part, Federal and state food safety information laws Allows FDA to share with State, local, tribal, or territorial authorities that have counterpart functions related to protecting the public health unedited information in the Food and Drug Administration’s possession related to any of the following:
(A) Foodborne illness surveillance data.
(B) Laboratory sample testing information
(C) Test information and results.
(D) Recall and outbreak distribution lists.
(E) Consumer complaints
(F) Any other information that the Secretary determines will assist the agency in protecting the public.
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