Congress Paying Attention to Foodborne Illnesses
The U.S. House of Representatives passed new food safety legislation last year and the Senate is expected to pass a different version this summer, a CNC News article reports.
There are 76 million cases of foodborne illness each year, killing 5,000 and sending 300,000 to the hospital. Almost 60 percent of U.S. food manufacturers have gone over five years without a federal inspection.
The FDA is responsible for oversight of 80 percent of the U.S.’s food supply. According to the Institute of Medicine, the FDA should better apportion its resources. The Institute of Medicine recommended that national food safety standards be adopted. The Institute also suggested that the FDA focus on the foods that have the highest danger of carrying foodborne illnesses.
The Senate bill gives the federal government the authority to order food recalls. It also gives the FDA expanded access to food manufacturers’ records, expands food facility inspections, gives the FDA the authority to set new standards for product safety, and imposes stricter standards for imported food. Currently, only a small fraction of imported food is inspected.
Although America’s food supply has gradually become safer over the last few decades, foodborne illnesses are constantly developing and changing. Foodborne illness in Missouri can result in a wide range of problems, from vomiting and fever to death. If you have contracted a foodborne illness due to a contaminated food product, you may have a potential claim for compensation. The St. Louis foodborne illness attorneys at Page Law can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Contact Page Law today for a free consultation by calling 314-322-8515.
