Rosa DeLauro Statement on FDA Shut Down of Sunland Food Facility

Company was Responsible for SalmonellaOutbreak in Nut Butters This Fall

WASHINGTON,DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today onthe news the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the food facilityregistration of Sunland Inc. Sunland's nut butters were linked to anoutbreak of Salmonella that sickened over 40 people, including three inConnecticut, this past fall.

"TheFDA's announcement it has suspended Sunland's food facility registration isgood news for consumers. Congress gave the FDA this authority in the FoodSafety Modernization Act so it could protect the public from unsafe food beingproduced in facilities like this and I am pleased to see them act. Americans should be able to buy a jar of peanut butter-- or anything else--andnot have to worry that it will sicken them or their children.

"However,I am disappointed that it took the FDA so long to act. Time is of theessence when the public health is at stake and I expect in the future the FDAwill act immediately to protect consumers."

DeLaurois a senior member of the committee responsible for funding the Food and DrugAdministration and a longtime champion for food safety. She was one ofthe leaders responsible for passing the Food Safety Modernization Act, whichbecame law in 2011. She has continued working to ensure that the FDA protectsthe health of American consumers.