GAO makes food safety recommendations
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
The Government Accountability Office recommends that Congress give FDA mandatory recall authority for foods and that FDA seek "more explicit authority to create preventive controls for high-risk foods." In a May 6 1report, GAO explains additional FDA authorities would strengthen imported food safety. FDA agrees with the recommendations and seeks additional authorities, Lisa Shames, director of Natural Resources and Environment with GAO, told the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations during a same-day hearing. Food safety legislation passed in the House and a bill pending in the Senate would cater to some of GAO's requests, including giving FDA mandatory recall authority for food (2"The Tan Sheet" April 19, 2010, In Brief). "The Senate is planning to vote on this issue as soon as the financial services bill is finished," Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, said at the hearing
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