News From…

Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

Chairman Cardoza Holds Hearing on Food Safety
 

Subcommittee Examines Produce Industry Response to Recent Safety Breakdowns
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2007		 CONTACT:  Jamie McInerney
(202) 225-6131

WASHINGTON – Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, held a hearing to review the industry response to food safety concerns of fresh and fresh-cut produce.  Congressman Dennis Cardoza of California is the Chairman of the Subcommittee.
 
“Maintaining the integrity of our nation’s food supply is a paramount concern of mine, not only as the Chairman of this Subcommittee, but as a consumer and as a parent,” said Chairman Cardoza.  “The fresh cut produce industry should be commended for their quick actions in responding to recent food safety concerns, but clearly more work needs to be done to ensure higher accountability by our federal food safety agencies.”
 
The Subcommittee heard testimony from two panels of witnesses comprised of government and industry representatives as well as food safety researchers and consumer advocates.  Panelists testified about the produce industry’s response to safety concerns in the wake of an E. Coli outbreak associated with fresh cut spinach in September of 2006 that led to product recalls.
 
“I remain extremely concerned that our food safety oversight is spread amongst too many different agencies; creating a systemic lack of responsibility and ownership over the food supply. I believe that one—and only ONE—federal agency should have responsibility for protecting the food supply,” said Cardoza in his opening remarks.

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