In an editorial, the Oregonian opines, “No matter what your food preferences are, or your politics, and even if you never eat anything except protein bars and spinach (both of which have been subject to recalls in recent years), you are vulnerable” to food contamination. However, “this summer, the House of Representatives finally decided it had had enough,” and approved “landmark legislation” which is intended to expand the authority of the FDA by increasing inspections of food processing plants and giving them the ability to recall tainted food. The Oregonian applauds the move, and maintains that “everyone has a stake in a more reliable food supply.”
Food safety legislation spotlighted. In its “Booster Shots” blog, the Los Angeles Times writes, “If anything positive can be found in the recent salmonella outbreak in peanuts that caused at least nine deaths and prompted the recall of hundreds of foods, it’s that Congress appears poised to strengthen our food safety laws.” The blog notes the passage of a recent House bill granting more authority to the FDA, and refers to an analysis by Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University, in which she calls the bill “a sensible way to go.”
From the American Association for Justice news release.