DeLauro Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

WASHINGTON, DC (January 4, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement on the fifth anniversary of President Obama signing the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). First introduced by Congresswoman DeLauro in 2008, the legislation modernized and strengthened the nation’s food safety system, and ushered in the most sweeping reform of our food safety laws in more than 70 years.

“The Food Safety Modernization Act passed and signed into law five years ago strengthened our nation’s food safety system, keeping more Americans healthier and safe. These changes were critical in closing some of the most dangerous gaps in our food safety laws and expanding the FDA’s authority to inspect high-risk facilities and better respond to food-borne illness outbreaks. While the legislation was a step in the right direction, the FSMA is still underfunded and cannot be effectively implemented without full funding from Congress.

“Over the last year, Americans have once again witnessed high-profile listeria and E. coli outbreaks that have sickened consumers across the country. These deadly food-borne illnesses are preventable and I will continue to fight for stronger reforms and a single food safety agency. Consolidating the fifteen agencies that currently have jurisdiction over the safety of our nation’s food supply would provide the regulatory structure so desperately needed to prevent food-borne illnesses and better respond to outbreaks.”

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