Dems Propose Major Consolidation of Food Regulation

Two congressional Democrats have drafted a “Safe Food Act of 2015,” which would establish a single agency “to issue recalls, enforce safety regulations and require full traceability of foods.” Illinois Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), one of the bill’s sponsors, says that by combining the efforts of 15 separate agencies, the consolidated agency would save money at the same time it did a better job of protecting the public. “Think of an egg,” says Rep. Rose DeLauro (D-Conn.), who is sponsoring the bill in the House. “One agency manages the health of a hen, another oversees the feed they eat; another sets the egg quality standards. If it’s in shell it’s the responsibility of the FDA [Food and Drug Administration], once it’s processed into an egg product it’s the Food Safety and Inspection Service.”