DeLauro: We Cannot Stall Implementation of Food Safety Rules FDA Draws Out Comment Period on Already-Overdue Guidance

DeLauro: We Cannot Stall Implementation of Food Safety Rules FDA Draws Out Comment Period on Already-Overdue Guidance WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s announcement they are delaying the close of the comment period for two-already overdue food safety rules, required by the Food Safety Modernization Act, aimed at preventing foodborne illness. Additional information on the rules and FDA announcement may be found here. “When the FDA first announced these proposed rules a little over a month ago, I stressed the need for them to be implemented in a robust, timely fashion. Unfortunately that has already fallen by the wayside with today’s announcement. I am deeply concerned that special interests are pressuring the FDA to slow-walk this process and water down these rules that are supposed to protect people. “American families are already living with the specter of foodborne illnesses and contamination hanging over them. It is shameful that in a country as wealthy and prosperous as ours, with all the scientific and technological knowledge we possess, parents still have to worry if ground beef, cantaloupe, spinach, or any other number of foods, will send their children to the hospital, or possibly even their death. “The FDA needs to implement these, and the other rules that are still bottled up in the regulatory pipeline, without further delay.