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DeLauro Responds to New OIG Report Detailing FDA’s Failure to Effectively Implement the Food and Safety Modernization Act

September 27, 2017

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released the following statement on a report from the Office of the Inspector General on the Food and Drug Administration's progress toward meeting the food facility inspection timeframes mandated by the Food and Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

"The goal of the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) was to prevent food-safety problems rather than react to these issues after they arise. However, the Inspector General's report revealed that the FDA has not taken effective or timely action to identify and correct food facility inspection violations."

"I am alarmed that the OIG found a decrease in the number of facilities being inspected from 2011 to 2015. The FDA also counted facilities no longer in operation as being up to standard, thereby over estimating that number to make their results more favorable. Finally, I am outraged that the FDA only took enforcement measures against 5% of significant facility infractions, impacting food safety and consumers."

"It is clear that the FDA needs more resources to efficiently and effectively inspect food facilities and enforce infractions to keep our food supply safe. It is the responsibility of the FDA to ensure that American consumers can trust the safety of food they consume."