DeGette Hails Food Safety Legislation

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today hailed the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008released by the committee. The discussion draft includes a mandatoryrecall provision built upon legislation introduced by DeGette, H.R. 3484, the SAFER Act.

"Congress is taking the necessary action to restore public confidencein our nation's food safety system. With a record number of foodrecalls over the last year, we must ensure the safety of our foodproducts by giving government the tools to strengthen the system. Whiletainted foods have been recalled voluntarily, many should have happenedquicker to avoid further distribution of the contaminated product andsickness. Giving the government mandatory recall authority isimperative to ensure quick removal of contaminated products from ourgrocery stores before they reach our dinner tables.

"The Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008 isground-breaking food safety legislation and is the first step instrengthening our food safety system. I am pleased that it includes amandatory recall provision that will allow the government to take swiftaction to ensure the safety of our food. I look forward to working withthe committee on moving this legislation forward."

DeGette has also introduced H.R. 3485, the TRACE Act,which requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a producttracing system for all food products from their origin to the market,enabling faster and more complete recall in the event of contamination.