FDA AUTHORITY COULD EXPAND IN FOOD SAFETY BILL
News Date July 21, 2009
Agricultural producers testified before the House Committee on Agriculture in opposition to food safety legislation on Thursday that would allow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate on-farm production practices.
Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) said that if agricultural concerns are not fixed in the legislation submitted by the Energy and Commerce committee, he plans marking up the legislation and reporting the bill unfavorably.
Concerns stem from provisions of the Food Safety Enhancement Act Bill (H.R. 2749) that would extend the FDA’s authority over livestock production, processing facilities, and geographical quarantines.
Opponents of the legislation criticize the bill’s “one size fits all” approach to food safety and its attempt to form a single system of food safety inspection.
“The notion that the FDA can dictate to farmers in every region of the country, growing and producing a vast array of crops and livestock for a range of market is irrational,” said Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA).
Larry Wooten, on behalf of the American Farm Bureau, focused on the increased cost and paperwork burdens that this bill would require of farmers and ranchers. Organic feed and grain producer Nick Maravell said that the bill favors further consolidation and centralization of the agriculture industry. The bill would make the industry more susceptible to large shocks, whether by unintended contamination or bioterrorism.
Reports indicate this legislation could be voted on in the House this week. The legislation’s text is available here. (By: Kasey Miller, Policy Contact: Bob Ehart)