Food Safety Bill Passes House

The U.S. House of Representatives passed sweeping changes to the nation's food safety system late Thursday afternoon by a vote of 283-142. The vote came one day after Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Ranking Member on the House Ag Committee, led a charge to defeat the measure. Wednesday afternoon, H.R. 2479, the Food Safety Enhancement act of 2009, failed to win passage by the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation will increase funding and give more authority to the Food and Drug Administration to police food safety. The vote Wednesday was 280 to 150. A two-thirds super majority was necessary for passage.

Under the legislation, the FDA will be able to order food recalls; require the agency to inspect food facilities more often; and would give FDA authority to set production and record-keeping standards to prevent contamination and more easily trace outbreaks. Food facilities would be required to register and pay an annual 500 dollar fee.

Before the vote, Representative Frank Lucas of Oklahoma said the bill would – lead to huge regulatory burdens on our nation’s farmers and ranchers and it would contribute little to the goal of safer food. He offered an amendment to force half of the funds collected by FDA to be invested in inspections.

The Senate is expected to wait until fall to consider similar legislation. That is when Representative Louise Slaughter will begin to push her antibiotics legislation in the House.