A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress on Tuesday would grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new authority to investigate concentrated animal feeding operations during disease outbreaks. The Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act (EFSIA), sponsored by Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), addresses current limitations in FDA’s ability to collect microbial samples from large-scale animal farming operations.
The legislation comes amid ongoing concerns about foodborne illness rates in the United States. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, foodborne illnesses affect one in six Americans annually, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Over half of Salmonella cases are traced to animals and animal products, with bacteria from animal facilities also affecting produce through environmental contamination.
Under existing regulations, public health agencies face restrictions when investigating disease outbreaks at animal farming facilities. The proposed legislation would enable FDA investigators to access these facilities and collect microbial samples when public health concerns arise. This new authority would help address current challenges where investigators are frequently denied access to farms during outbreak investigations.
In a press release, Representative DeLauro said that current laws allow companies to impede FDA investigations of foodborne illness outbreaks, delaying crucial public health responses. The new bill aims to strengthen the FDA’s investigative capabilities and enhance consumer protection measures. DeLauro pointed to corporate consolidation in the food system as a factor contributing to increased vulnerability to both foodborne illness and emerging public health threats.
Senator Booker noted that the legislation would help reduce foodborne illness by expanding the FDA’s jurisdiction to investigate contamination sources in animal agriculture. The bill would enable faster responses to outbreaks and expedite the removal of contaminated products from store shelves. This enhanced authority would give public health agencies more tools to protect consumer safety.
Sarah Sorscher, Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, supported the legislation, stating it would fill an important gap in public health protection by allowing investigators to trace outbreak sources on large animal farms.
The bill addresses both ongoing foodborne illness concerns and emerging public health challenges, including recent concerns about avian influenza mutations. The legislation recognizes the interconnected nature of animal agriculture and public health, particularly as variations of diseases continue to evolve.
If passed, the legislation would represent a significant expansion of FDA’s oversight capabilities in food safety investigations. The proposed changes aim to create a more proactive approach to food safety, rather than the current reactive system that often faces obstacles during crucial investigations.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading Salmonella lawyer said, “Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness every year, affecting people all across the country. Expanded oversight will help ensure greater protection and food safety for all Americans.”
