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Food Safety Overview
Food safety is at the forefront of consumers’ food concerns. The food recalls issued in recent years, along with pressure from consumer groups and constituents, has caused Congress to take up legislation to ensure the safety of America’s food supply.
OTA supports food safety reform and is educating Members of Congress and their staff on the steps already taken by organic producers that align with the goals of food safety reform including: business registration, record keeping and audits, as well as inspection requirements. OTA is advocating that organic producers, while meeting food safety goals, should not be required to use prohibited materials or practices, as identified by the National Organic Program, Additionally, OTA is making Congress aware of the strict record keeping already in place so that organic producers will not have to implement duplicative traceback and record keeping systems. OTA will fight to prevent requirements to use prohibited materials and duplicative paperwork, while supporting a reliable food safety system.
Senate Releases Food Safety Manager’s Package
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released a new Manager's Package of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act on Thursday, August 12, 2010 and held a stakeholder briefing to review changes to the bill and take questions. The new bill maintains language that prevents regulations that would force certified organic operations to duplicate or conflict with requirements in the Organic Food Production Act, a provision that OTA has lobbied for as the bill has moved through the Senate. Read a summary of the changes to the new bill and a memo of the briefing. (OTA Members Only Resource)
FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Summary
The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S.510) was introduced by Senator Dick Durbin on March 3, 2009 and passed the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on November 18, 2009. The bill could be voted on in the full Senate at any time. Once S.510 passes the Senate, the legislation will move to conference to discuss differences with the House passed Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (HR.2749). OTA supports strong food safety legislation, but opposes requirements that would cause duplicative food safety efforts during organic production or violate National Organic Standards.
Learn More
OTA Food Safety Legislation Task Force
In April 2009, OTA launched a Food Safety Legislation Task Force to track and analyze numerous pieces of pending U.S. food safety legislation for impact on the organic industry; and to recommend appropriate courses of action.
OTA Food Safety Task Force White Paper (105 KB .pdf)
Organic Production and Handling: Food Safety Reform
An emphasis on avoiding both chemical contaminants and pathogens
July 13, 2009
Senate Food Safety Bill, Chairman's mark (before amendment): S. 510 (196 KB .pdf)
House Food Safety Bill: H.R. 2749 (312 KB .pdf)
House Agriculture Committee Hearing
On July 16, 2009 Nick Maravell, of OTA member Nick’s Organic Farm in Potomac, MD, spoke on behalf of organic farmers at a hearing held by the full House Agriculture Committee on the impact of food safety legislation (HR 2749) on small farmers. OTA staff worked closely with Nick in his preparation for the hearing. Along with the written testimony, OTA’s Food Safety Legislation Task Force talking points document was submitted to the full committee. OTA also submitted questions addressing industry concerns.
Statement of Nicholas Maravell, Maryland Organic Farmer (24 KB .pdf)
On the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (HR2749)
Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture
July 16, 2009
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