Cracks Continue In Our Food Safety System
The following are Ms. DeGette's opening remarks as prepared for delivery:
"Over the last year, this subcommittee has held five hearings examiningthe safety of our nation's food supply. I am glad we are continuingthis investigation, which has brought to light serious inadequacies inour system both in the public and private sectors.
"But sadly these hearings have often turned up more questions thananswers. And even more sadly, like the recall last week, after eachhearing there have been more outbreaks.
"But what is absolutely maddening is that these incidents arepreventable. In almost every case, we can trace serious threats topublic health back to an agency that has been starved for funding, orto a corporation with substandard agricultural or industrial practices.
"Today we continue this investigation by taking testimony from the CEOsof some of the biggest food producers in the world, all of whom havebeen involved in serious outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, some of them have been before us before. And Mr.Chairman, it seems that we keep hearing the same things over and over.
"I will focus for a minute on ConAgra, a major food producer nationwidewith operations in Colorado. Six years ago it was ConAgra thatappeared before us to talk about one of the biggest recalls in historyafter E.Coli was found in its beef and so many people got sick.
"Last year they were before this committee talking about peanut buttertainted with salmonella. Then it was revealed that its popcorncontained chemicals that could get workers and consumers sick. Andthen, this past fall, citizens around the country were poisoned byConAgra-made pot pies with salmonella.
"You can see how frustrating this is for us, representatives of theconsumer. These companies come before us, apologize profusely – thentell us all about the new facilities they are installing or money theyare spending to make sure something like this never happens again.
"For example, today ConAgra will report fantastic progress in ensuringthe safety of Peter Pan Peanut Butter. This is great news, but whatabout the pot pies? I am sure the company has taken great pains atgreat expense to ensure the safety of this product going forward butwhat about the next outbreak? With an organization this large, thattouches so many segments of the marketplace, what are they doingcompany-wide to ensure food safety? Obviously we may never be able toeliminate risk entirely, but this is happening far too often.
"Many of the companies before us today have been involved in massiverecalls of tainted products. The members of this committee know thatfor years I have introduced legislation, H.R. 3484 that would grant the USDA and FDA mandatory recall authority.
"My constituents are shocked to learn that these agencies do not havethis authority. All of the recalls we will hear about today, when theyfinally occurred were issued voluntarily. It is my contention thatwaiting on the company to make the decision is like the fox guardingthe hen-house.
"ConAgra, for example, did not order a recall immediately upon learningof illnesses related to their pot pies. They issued a "consumeradvisory" instead. It was only after days had passed and even morepeople got sick that the company decided that it was in their financialinterest, in addition to the public interest, to recall the products.
"My legislation would correct this conflict of interest by allowing theUSDA or FDA to order recalls as soon as it becomes clear that anoutbreak has occurred, and it provides for the immediate notificationof consumers and public health officials.
"I want to thank Chairman Dingell for continuing to work with me on myfood safety legislation, and thank you Chairman Stupak for yourcontinued diligence in continuing this investigation."