U. S. Food Safety Discussed Before Congress
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: February 26, 2008
On the heels of the largest beef recall in U.S. history, Congress is calling the U. S. food safety program "a mess." Companies like Con Agra, Butterball and Dole testified today, but the president of the hallmark Westland Meat Company, now famous for the video showing cows headed for slaughter who were unable to stand that prompted the recall, didn't show.
Consumer advocates say it's time to make changes to protect food. "It is time to adequately fund our health and safety authorities to help businesses protect their consumers," says attorney William Marler.
A few of the changes Congress is considering include a bill that would give the F.D.A. and U.S.D.A authority to issue mandatory recalls, require country of origin labeling, and collect fees for food imports.
