Number: RL31853
Title: Food Safety Issues in the 109th Congress
Authors: Donna U. Vogt, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: This report provides an overview of federal food safety activities and issues of concern to Congress. The major areas of concern include illnesses caused by foodborne pathogens, the cost of these illnesses, and the vulnerability of the food supply to terrorist acts. It also describes activities of federal agencies charged with ensuring that consumers can purchase safe food from appropriately regulated food companies, and gives past and proposed appropriations for food safety. It describes the new bioterrorism law which gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more direct authority over the food supply, particularly imports. Additionally, it discusses a number of other issues including the debate in Congress over food security issues, enforcement powers such as recalls, proposals to reorganize the food safety regulatory structure, questions about regulating bioengineered food, the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, and the safety of school lunches.
Pages: 30
Date: June 16, 2005