DeLauro Responds to Celery, Cheese Recalls

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Chairwoman of the FDA and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, made the following statement today in response to the recent illnesses associated with contaminated celery and cheese.

SanGar Fresh Cut Produce of San Antonio, Texas may be the source of a listeria outbreak responsible for sickening 10 people. Costco's Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese may be linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that has resulted in 25 illnesses across five states.

"Food safety is literally a matter of life and death—five people have died as a result of eating food items that are supposed to be safe. It is imperative that we improve our outdated and inefficient system, and better protect American consumers. This listeria outbreak is linked to 10 illnesses, and half of those who have become sick have died. This is unacceptable, and that is why it is critical that Congress pass food safety legislation that will help prevent food-borne illness outbreaks, especially ones associated with high-risk foods. Furthermore, legislation should not create loopholes in our food safety system that would weaken current law."