Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 5/14/15


A PBS documentary safe on poultry production that aired this week has prompted three federal lawmakers to introduce two separate bills aimed at improving the safety of the meat and poultry entering the U.S. food system.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillebrand (D-NY) says her Meat and Poultry Recall Notification Act would give USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) greater authority to require a recall if a company’s products test positive for contaminants. The agency currently requests that companies recall their meat poultry or egg products and also take additional steps to notify consumers and state and local authorities of recalls.

If the company refuses the request, USDA will have the option to issue a mandatory recall that will notify processors, packers, retail outlets, consumers and retailers. The proposed law includes requiring signs posted at all cash registers or store shelves where the recalled product is presented for sale and consumer notification through shopper reward cards.

Separately, the Pathogen Reduction and Testing Reform Act would focus on strengthening the government’s capabilities to recall any meat, poultry or egg product that is found to contain bacteria or viruses that could cause serious illness or death to consumers. The measure would include pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics, according to the bill co-presented by U.S. House Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY).

The House proposal was first introduced in the wake of an outbreak of salmonella Heidelberg linked to Foster Farms that sickened more than 600 people between March 2013 and July 2014. The legislation would clarify USDA’s legal authority to recall meat contaminated with antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which was an issue since salmonella is not banned by FSIS regulations.

The outbreak was featured in the PBS documentary “The Trouble With Chicken” that aired May 12 on the FRONTLINE program, which also included appearances by Rep. DeLauro and Rep. Slaughter.

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