Calls for single food safety agency to reduce duplicative efforts and better protect American consumers

Calls for single food safety agency to reduce duplicative efforts and better protect American consumers



Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3), Ranking Member on the Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, responding to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and featured in the Wall Street Journal, that reveals as much as $200 billion in spent annually on duplicative government programs.



“While Republicans have rushed to make indiscriminant cuts to our federal budget, slashing programs and services critical job creation and economic growth, the GAO report highlights that a careful consideration of inefficiencies in our government can lead to savings without putting further burdens on American businesses and middle class families. We should start cutting our deficits by making government programs more efficient and rooting out special interest waste instead of targeting those who need our help the most.



“While I do not agree with all of the GAO’s findings, the report does accurately provide additional evidence for the need to consolidate the responsibilities of the 15 federal agencies that currently have jurisdiction over our nation’s food safety system into a single independent agency. I have introduced legislation that would establish such an agency since 1999, and believe that this is a critical step toward preventing food-borne illnesses and protecting public health. A single agency dedicated solely to food safety would eliminate the jurisdictional conflicts, as well as significantly reduce duplication and cost. I look forward to reintroducing this bill soon, and will continue to fight for a single food safety agency.”