DeLauro - salmonella should have jurisdiction of one agency

From the office of Rep. Rosa DeLauro:

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) issued the following statement on the on-going investigation into a salmonella outbreak that has infected at least 388 people in 42 states since 3 September 2008. Because the source of the outbreak is unknown, it is unclear whether this outbreak falls under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration or the Department of Agriculture.

DeLauro will soon reintroduce, the Food Safety Modernization Act, which would split the FDA into two separate agencies – dividing the food safety responsibilities from the drug and device safety responsibilities.

“A frightening aspect of this salmonella outbreak is the jurisdictional limbo that has been created since the cause of the outbreak has yet to be determined. The involvement of both the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in this investigation is limited right now until the source, and jurisdiction, can be established.

“This jurisdictional limbo is potentially dangerous because it delays the investigation into an outbreak that began over four months ago, and any delays in these critical investigations can sicken more people.

“The scope of this recent salmonella outbreak is a reminder that reforming and modernizing our food safety laws should be a top priority in the new Congress. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Obama Administration on achieving that goal.”

Winter vegetable acreage comes up short

The USDA's report on winter vegetable acreage shows that most commodities will show reduced plantings. Here is the summary:


The prospective area for harvest of 11 selected fresh market vegetables during the winter quarter is forecast at 150,900 acres, down 5 percent from last year. Acreage declined for snap beans, broccoli, carrots, celery, sweet corn, and head lettuce. Acreage increased for bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, and tomatoes. Area harvested for spinach remains unchanged.

Area planted for spring onions, at 30,300 acres, is down 3 percent from 2008. Arizona, Georgia, and Texas reduced planted acreage from 2008, while California increased planted acreage.

Strawberry area planted for the major States (California, Florida, and Oregon) in 2009 is forecast at 48,500 acres, up 6 percent from 2008.

TK: Given the deflated state of consumer demand, it is no surprise that plantings are off a bit. Still, head lettuce acreage in the winter has fallen from 58,900 two years ago to 50,700 last year and just45,500 acres this year. For the full report, go to this link.