Farm Bill Attractions Posted by Reggie at 07/26/07 02:42 PM

Consumers Union just fired off a letter to Congress’ House Agriculture Committee opposing an amendment to the Farm Bill, H.R. 2419, which would allow state inspected meat to bypass the federal meat inspection program.

“Must pass” legislation like the Farm Bill which reauthorizes important agricultural programs and policies, tend to be magnets for special interest amendments. We have opposed several that we believe would have weakened our already troubled national strategy for food safety.

Consumers Union strongly supports the states’ role in the national food safety system. In fact, we opposed (successfully we hope) an earlier amendment to cut state authority over foods inspected by USDA. The current proposal would allow state inspected meat to be sold in interstate commerce – circumventing the federal food inspection act and experienced federal inspectors.

We believe states should supplement federal safety programs and should always be permitted to implement stronger programs, but we are cautious of proposals based upon “state’s rights” that would in fact result in undermining the national strategy.

Stay tuned as we monitor the progress of the Farm Bill and other laws and regulations relating to food safety.

comments (1)

1 Posted by happypineapple at 08/06/07 01:40 PM

Food safety is a growing problem. The overarching problem is within the rules of trade. In their present state, NAFTA and other expansions of this said "free trade" agreement, are disasters. Currently over 80% of U.S. seafood is imported. Peru is a major shrimp exporter to the U.S. and yet the number ONE reason in Peru for FDA rejection is filth. That’s just scary. If you want to learn more, you should read the Public Citizen report and sign their petition. Also, click here for some good tips on how to protect yourself from unsafe food imports.