Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/27/10

Elisabeth Hagen outlined some of the current issues around food safety at a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing to consider her appointment as under secretary of agriculture for food safety.

She cited growing concern about the safety of imported products; the risk of intentional food contamination; an aging population at increased risk for foodborne illness and the increase over time of people dining out as current issues that underscore the need to be vigilant about the safety of the food supply.

"If confirmed, I will take very seriously this responsibility to protect consumers," she said in remarks prepared for the hearing. "My background and experience in medicine, public health and food safety has prepared me to lead an agency responsible for the safety of a large portion of the food supply."

Hagen, a medical doctor, has worked within USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service since 2006, most recently as USDA's chief medical officer. "If confirmed, I look forward to using this experience to build strong, science-based, public health policy," she told the committee.

Small plant concerns

During the hearing, Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) made reference to concerns that recently announced FSIS actions regarding food safety intervention verification in meat processing plants could adversely effect small processors.

Sen. Robert Casey (D-Penn.) asked if Hagen would support greater technical assistance for small processors.

Hagen pointed out current USDA outreach programs for small processors and recent action to bring more mobile slaughter units under federal inspection. She said USDA is committed to supporting processing operations of all sizes.

She also reiterated USDA's commitment to supporting locally produced food in response to growing consumer interest in where their food comes from.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.