Looking ahead

Here is the link to the March 12 statement of Andrew von Eschenbach, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration before the Wisconsin field hearing of the Senate Appropriations, Ag subcommittee.
Perhaps the most significant words he spoke referred to much anticipated public meetings about fresh produce safety.

To seek additional input from the public, we are holding two public hearings (March 20 in California and April 13 in Maryland) concerning the safety of fresh produce. We will share information about recent outbreaks of foodborne illness related to fresh produce and solicit comments, data, and other scientific information about current agricultural and manufacturing practices, risk factors for contamination, and possible measures by FDA to enhance the safety of fresh produce.