Congress continues to wrestle with and, in some instances, sling mud at the food safety issue. Everyone recognizes the problem. It’s creating a meaningful solution that presents the challenge.
Hopefully, current legislative efforts to address the food crisis will not take a back seat to the focus on the economy. In any event, the food safety debate is a lively one.
Rep. John Dingell, at a recent congressional hearing, stated “We have before us one of the finest messes in history.” He had previously declared that FDA’s Dr. Stephen Sundlof was incompetent. At 82 years of age, Dingell speaks his mind freely and forcefully.
Some suggest we need centralization of the regulatory process. Others suggest a single food safety agency. There apparently is no shortage of ideas and proposals.
Rep. Dingell has introduced the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act, designed to increase the FDA’s enforcement power. Senator Dick Durbin has introduced The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.
A healthy debate is needed, however, it needs to quickly lead to a healthier food system.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
