Health Law

Rep. Delauro calls for Independent Food Safety Advisory Board

By Bill Marler

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) released the following statement today in reaction to the recall of approximately 864,000 pounds of beef products potentially contaminated with E. coli by the Montebello, California-based company Huntington Meat Packing Inc. The recalled products include foodstuffs produced as far back as 2008.

'While any food safety recall is a major concern to me, this one is especially alarming as some of the products included were produced almost two years ago. This is a glaring indication that the current inspection system for meat and poultry is inherently flawed and not sufficient to protect the public health.

'Contaminated meat products continue to enter our food supply at a disturbing rate. And as recalls like this attest, it is time for the meat and poultry inspection system at USDA to be subject to a comprehensive review by an external, independent science board to ensure that the current system is adequately protecting the public health. Such a board would support and advise USDA, ensure that the inspection process is rigorous and scientifically robust, and recommend changes to any practices that are insufficiently protecting our food supply.'

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on January 19, 2010 (boomark / email).