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Press Release

Senate Urged to Pass Food Safety Act

2010-09-08

American Dietetic Association Calls on Senate to Pass Food Safety Overhaul and Protect Consumers

Media Contact: Ryan O'Malley
800/877-1600, ext. 4769
media@eatright.org

CHICAGO – The American Dietetic Association is calling on the U.S. Senate to quickly pass food safety legislation that would expand the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to regulate and recall foods. The legislation represents the largest change in the country's food safety laws in more than 70 years.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act was unanimously approved by a Senate committee in November 2009 but action by the full Senate on the bill has since stopped. The House of Representatives has already passed the bill.

"As advocates for consumers to have a healthy food supply, the American Dietetic Association officially supports the bill, known as S. 510, and urges the Senate to bring it to a vote as quickly as possible once the Senate returns from its summer recess later this month," said registered dietitian and ADA President Judith C. Rodriguez.

"Americans should be able to expect a safe and secure food supply as well as good nutrition and the healthy foods that have been shown to help reduce the incidence of many chronic diseases," Rodriguez said. "Especially when recalls of food staples such as eggs or beef occur, people naturally feel less confident making their food choices.

"The new food safety law would give the FDA more authority and resources to improve the food supply with items produced here and internationally," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez noted that food safety and product recalls are especially important right now, in the wake of a salmonella outbreak that has been traced to eggs that originated in Iowa. More than 1,000 people have been sickened by the eggs and more than 500 million eggs have been recalled.

The American Dietetic Association's website contains a wealth of information for consumers on the egg recall and food safety.

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The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.