Moldy Oldy Food Laws - Time for the Senate to Act

When Theodore Roosevelt signed the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, it was a landmark. Unfortunately, in many situations the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still works with the 1906 tools. We don't expect FDA to drive Model-Ts. We shouldn't expect them to work with an antiquated food food law.

After half a billion eggs were recalled, you would think Congress would act on long-awaited food safety legislation. But Senate Bill 510 has stalled for more than a year. The House passed its version of bill in July 2009. In those 13 months there have been 85 food recalls, and most recently, the largest egg recall in history. 

Time is running out because nothing will get done in Congress from November on into 2011. Now is the time to act. Call your senators and urge them to bring S. 510 to a vote!

My local newspaper's reporting of maggots in a coffee maker reminded me of why we need effective government regulation of food. The public needs a watchdog because we cannot see the maggots inside the food processing equipment. The food industry needs an effective watchdog, too, because their business relies on public confidence. I am sure sales of mochas and cappuccinos dropped at all local outlets after the newspaper reported on a single bad apple.