DeLauro Statement on Recall of Possibly Contaminated Cantaloupes

Highlights Importance of Microbiological Data Program

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall of possibly contaminated cantaloupes. Samples of the fruit shipped to New York State and Maine from North Carolina tested positive for Listeria. The Microbiological Data Program (MDP) identified the contaminated melons, just weeks after Administration officials announced the program, which had been in danger of closing, will be funded through the end of the year.

“Today’s announcement reinforces MDP’s value and the need to continue the program that supports roughly 80 percent of produce sampling in America,” DeLauro said. “Just a year after the deadliest outbreak in a decade, it is encouraging that no illnesses have been reported in the latest event. However, we must remain vigilant and invest in the programs and agencies that keep American families safe to prevent an outbreak like last year’s

“Through its critical research, MDP helps protect us from foodborne illnesses and today’s announcement is an illustration of how that research helps us all. I want to reiterate my call to the Administration to fund MDP in next year’s budget request, and many years to come.”

MDP supports data collection by the states on possible bacterial contamination of produce—data that is important to improving food safety. It is the only program dedicated to improving our understanding of bacterial contamination in produce

DeLauro is a senior Democrat on the House of Representatives committee that funds the Food and Drug Administration and a longtime champion for food safety. Earlier this month she sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Jeffrey Zients, urging him to keep MDP open so it can continue to conduct important public health research. She has also introduced amendments to funding legislation that would increase funding for FDA food safety work and ensure funding for MDP.