FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation that will provide the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, much-needed enhanced authorities to protect the American public from unsafe foods.

Serious gaps have been exposed in the FDA's ability to protect the American public from outbreaks of food-borne diseases. These outbreaks have shaken consumer confidence in the industry that produces one of our most basic and important commodities that Americans depend on daily--the food we eat.

While I prefer the stronger food safety bill that the House passed last year, the Senate-passed FDA Food Safety Modernization Act will make substantial improvements to our food safety system. It includes critical reforms that will improve the FDA's ability to better prevent outbreaks and protect the safety of our food supply and it will allow the FDA to conduct increased inspections, enhance surveillance and traceability of food products, and give the FDA the authority to issue mandatory recalls.

Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that the FDA has the necessary tools and resources to fulfill its vital mission of helping protect the American public from unsafe products. This food safety bill is an important part of that effort. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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