By: Katie Burns Date: 1/10/11
Last Tuesday, President Obama signed the Food Safety Modernization Act, which passed the U.S. Senate on December 21, 2010, into law. Here are a few key pieces of information that you should know:
• Prevention is a clear theme in this law, and many people have noted that all incidences of foodborne illness are an important public health issue yet preventable;
• The new law provides that the FDA will have new authority to implement mandatory recalls of unsafe food if the company fails to do so voluntarily, food manufacturers will be required to develop written food safety plans, and there will be improved screening of imported foods;
• The importance of partnerships and strong relationships between the US government, the food industry, food safety agencies domestically and abroad, and consumers is needed to ensure the safety of the food supply, and
• The outcomes of this legislation may not be immediately visible to consumers except in the form of mandatory food recalls, but overtime they will see an overall safer food supply.
The goal of the act is to enhance food safety measures, thus providing us with a safer food supply. FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., says, “The bill lays the foundation for a prevention-based, 21st century food safety system that makes everyone in the global food chain responsible for safety.” Check out Commissioner Hamburg’s blog to learn more about what this means for you.
While the passage of Food Safety Modernization Act is an exciting and necessary event, its main focus is on the food system prior to the food entering our kitchen. While it will make major improvements to the safety of our food supply, it is important that we do not become complacent and forget the cardinal rules of food safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. Remember that you are the final defense against foodborne illness.
More Food Safety Resources:
Food Safety Resource Page
Questions and Answers on the Food Safety Modernization Act
Food Bill Aims to Improve Safety
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