Steps to Food Safety Reform

While I have no argument with those who say the U.S. food supply is the safest in the world, it’s a given that our present food production, manufacturing and distribution system is set up to create an exponential explosion in the scope of any problem.

It’s very easy for a small contamination problem to fan out quickly when products and ingredients are commingled and sent out in thousands or millions of individual units. The recent HVP ingredient recall and the continuing E. coli problems in ground beef are perfect examples.

Legislation might be imminent. At the Reuters Food and Agriculture Summit, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), chairwoman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, said “I have every confidence that we are going to pass food safety legislation and this legislation is going to get to the president for a signature and that that's going to happen this year.”

The House passed its version of the new safety bill last year and it’s currently awaiting action by the Senate. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act expands the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regulate food.

The problem is that, just like the safety experts always claim about testing, you can’t really regulate your way out of a problem. While increased regulation might be the incentive, making progress depends on increased vigilance and new, effective technology. Are you ready to be part of the solution?

   -Lynn A. Kuntz