The Senate passed the long-discussed food safety bill with a vote of 73 to 25 on Tuesday. The House of Representatives passed the bill in 2009, but debate in the Senate slowed the passage of the bill until Tuesday's vote.
The Food Safety Enhancement Act (S. 510) addresses many issues that surround food safety and gives the Food and Drug Administration more authority to monitor food safety. The bill gives the FDA an increased ability to issue recalls and addresses prevention on the part of manufacturers.
On Monday, the Senate voted to end debate on the bill and conclude with the Tuesday vote that ultimately affirmed the bill. Those who supported the bill argued that recent food recalls on products such as eggs and lettuce could be better addressed in the future with the provisions in the bill.
To read the Food Safety Enhancement Act, click here.
Posted: 11/30/10
