WASHINGTON—The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (HR 2749), which represents a sweeping reform of the federal food-safety system, was defeated 280-150 in the House of Representatives, falling eight votes short of the two-thirds majority required for passage.
The bill would give FDA the power to order food recalls, step up the frequency of plant inspections, require facilities to have a food safety plan in place and give FDA more access to company records.
Democrats predominantly voted for the bill and most Republicans voted against it. House Democratic leaders are expected to seek a new vote on the bill today.
