Give FDA stronger food recall powers, urge US consumers

FDA should receive full powers to recall foods when it threatens health and safety

It is essential that the Senate passes the bi-partisan FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, before it adjourns in early August, she added. “The time to do that is now - the overwhelming majority of Americans want Congress to make our food safe now. The bill even has bi-partisan support which is almost unheard of these days.”

Food safety reform: The food safety reform legislation would give FDA the power to recall suspect foods. It would also require the agency to inspect all high-risk food processors at least once a year. At present such food processors can expect a visit once every 10 years.

Most survey respondents told researchers that they thought one visit a month would be appropriate for high-risk food processors.

The Department of Health and Human Services Office confirms that the FDA inspects less than a quarter of all food facilities each year. More than half of all food facilities have gone five or more years without an FDA inspection.

Food processors: A recent food safety report by the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council highlighted gaps in the FDA’s performance in food safety, and recommends that Congress increase the agency’s authority to act. The report urges Congress to require all food processors to register with the FDA which at present is not required under current law.

It also suggests food processors act proactively to prevent foodborne illness, and to tell the FDA when they discover adulterated products.

Fuente: http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/On-your-radar/Food-safety/Give-FDA-stronger-food-recall-powers-urge-US-consumers

Aporte: Jecsi Esparza