Legislation Introduced to Preserve Staffing Levels for USDA Inspectors

Food safety legislation was introduced Thursday in the Senate that seeks to preserve current staffing levels of USDA inspectors in meat plants at the same time the agency promotes a new model that would cut the federal inspection force by as much as half.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the bill's sponsor, said the measure also would ensure that each carcass in the nation’s poultry, beef and hog plants is checked by a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector before it is processed and sent to consumers.

In addition to safeguarding meat inspection, the bill would give the USDA the power to shutdown poultry plants that repeatedly turn out products that fail salmonella safety tests.

“As I cook dinner for my family most nights, I want to know what I am serving is safe for my children to eat,” Gillibrand said. “This legislation contains practical measures to ensure no American gambles with their health when purchasing poultry or meat products. Not only would we reduce foodborne illness, but we also strengthen our nation’s agriculture and food industry.”

A USDA spokeswoman said the agency does not comment on pending legislation.

Click here to read the entire article.

Source: Washington Post