Food Safety Bill Passes House

    Aug. 4, 2009
    WASHINGTON—The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2749) is on its way to the Senate after it passed the House late last week.

    If it becomes law, the bill would require food facilities to conduct hazard analyses and implement preventive controls and food safety plans. In addition, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would be required to inspect facilities, establish a tracing system, assess fees related to food facility re-inspections and recalls and establish a program for accreditation of laboratories that perform analytical testing of food for import or export.

    The Secretary would also be authorized to order an immediate cessation of distribution or recall of food products, establish an importer verification program and quarantine food in any geographic area within the U.S.

    Read the full text of the bill.