DeLauro Statement on Final Food Safety Rules Announced Today

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro released the following statement today on three final food safety rules released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rules were required by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, which was signed into law near four years ago today.

“I am pleased that the long overdue produce safety and import safety rules have been issued by the FDA. I am further pleased that FDA built in flexibility in the produce rule to address the concerns of farmers, balanced with protecting consumer health. No one should have to worry that their food will make them or their loved ones sick. I look forward to working with the FDA to make sure that each of these rules are fully implemented. To do so, it is critical that FDA has sufficient funding. I will continue to press my colleagues to ensure the FDA food safety activities are not hampered by lack of resources. The recent multi-state outbreak involving Salmonella contaminated imported cucumbers reminds us that nothing less than the lives and health of Americans is on the line with these new rules.

“Two rules – on safe transport and intentional adulteration – have yet to be released and I continue to urge FDA to move quickly in finalizing them. Four years is far too long to wait for only five of the seven rules to be proposed.”

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 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and continues to advocate for strong food safety rules.

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