Denver District Lab Keeps Doors Open Protecting Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Stemming from mounting Congressional pressure, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to reverse its earlier decision of closing up to 13 of its field laboratories, including the Federal Center lab located in Lakewood. Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO), who first called for hearings into the Bush Administration’s proposal of consolidating field and district labs in July 2007, today applauded the FDA’s decision saying this is the “right decision for the American consumer.”

“It is time the FDA realized the value and expertise these labs have in protecting the health of Americans,” said DeGette.  “With the record-breaking outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and product recalls over the last year, these labs are needed more than ever. It was mind-boggling the Bush Administration would even think of shutting these labs down in the first place. Closing these labs would have had a dramatic affect on our national security jeopardizing the confidence of the American consumer.” 

Since this plan was proposed, DeGette and her colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee continued to find ways to prevent these closures, including adding a provision to the House Agricultural Appropriations Bill blocking the closure of the FDA field and district labs, including the Lakewood facility. DeGette’s subcommittee, the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, also held hearings into the Bush Administration’s FDA lab consolidation proposal; following these hearings, the FDA temporarily halted their consolidation plans for 90 days to further evaluate concerns about the safety of imported foods.

“The FDA failed to provide our committee or the American people with any analysis showing that closing these labs would result in increased cost savings, efficiencies, or better public health. Under the Democratic Majority, Congressional oversight has finally returned, and it is paying off. I want to applaud the work of the dedicated public servants in Denver’s lab who work every day to ensure that our food and drugs are safe.”

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