DeLauro Applauds Long-Overdue Food Safety Rules

Next Important Step in Implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today applauding two long-overdue food safety rules released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rules, which deal with food safety for both human and animal food, were required by the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, which was signed into law nearly six years ago.

“I applaud the strong rules issued today, which will help protect American consumers from foodborne illnesses. The Food Safety Modernization Act was designed to shift our food safety regime from being reactive to being proactive in preventing foodborne illness. We should not wait to deal with massive outbreaks that oftentimes affect multiple states and harm hundreds of people. We should be trying to prevent them from occurring in the first place. I am also pleased that these rules take into account the technical assistance needs of our farmers. Educating everyone who is a part of this process is essential to successfully changing to how we protect public health.

“We have long anticipated these rules and it is frustrating that it took a court order to get this done. Nobody should have to wonder if the food they are consuming will make them or their loved ones sick. I urge the FDA to get the remaining rules out swiftly and realize the full promise of the law. I will continue to push the FDA to finalize and implement these rules in a timely fashion. And as we debate government funding, I will continue to push my colleagues to ensure the FDA has necessary funding to do its job of ensuring our food is safe.”

DeLauro is a senior member of the subcommittee responsible for funding the FDA and a longtime champion for food safety. She was one of the leaders responsible for passing the Food Safety Modernization Act and continues to advocate for strong food safety rules.


###