March 22, 2010

US to pass new food safety law

The US will pass a new law to overhaul the antiquated food safety system by the end of the year, according to US Rep. Rosa DeLauro.

DeLauro, the chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, said the first major reform of the system in 50 years could be followed by another close look at how meat and poultry are inspected, and the changes may create friction with trade partners.

The new law considered by Congress would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandatory recall authority, increase the frequency of food inspections and require food safety plans for foodmakers.

Lawmakers next need to look at the role of the USDA, which is charged with inspection of meat, poultry and eggs, DeLauro said. An independent expert panel should examine whether the USDA food system needs reform, following a similar review of the FDA which made recommendations to Congress, she said.

The House passed its bill last July, but a companion Senate bill has been held up by work on healthcare and financial regulatory reform. It also has been stalled by the US Trade Representative's office, which wants to ensure reforms do not contravene trade agreements, DeLauro said.

The official also added that her subcommittee will hold hearings in the next couple of months to examine whether new trade agreements negotiated by the US should include food safety provisions.