On June 8, Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) introduced HR 2749, The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, a bill "to amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to improve the safety of food in the global market, and for other purposes."  The bill has since been amended twice with the latest version of the bill being introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) on June 17.  

The bill imposes burdensome requirements while not specifically targeting the industrial food system and food imports, where the real food safety problems lie.  Small farms and local food processors are part of the solution to food safety, yet HR 2749 takes a one-size-fits-all approach subjecting local producers to the same regulations as industrial firms.  The bill gives FDA much more power than it has had in the past while making the agency less accountable for its actions.

Read more about HR 2749

View the Alarming Provisions

Sign the Petition 

Read our Response to Consumers' Union

Take It All In - Food Safety Summary

HR 2749 LEGISLATIVE ACTION HISTORY
click on the dates for Congressional events which may include video clips (bill version in italics):

Jul 16 - House Agriculture Committee held a Public Hearing to "review current issues in food safety."  Two panels (industry and agency) presented statements and answered questions from the Committee members. 

Jun 17, 2009 - The Committee on Energy and Commerce held a markup hearing for HR 2749.  Rep. Henry Waxman's version is accepted as an "amendment in the nature of a substitute" and passed by voice vote.  [View http://bit.ly/HR2749_Waxman061709] [click date for video]

Jun 10, 2009 - The Subcommittee on Health held a markup hearing for HR 2749 on Wednesday.  Rep. Frank Pallone's version was accepted as an "amendment in the nature of a substitute" and passed by voice vote.  [View http://bit.ly/HR2749_Pallone061009] [click date for video]

Jun 8, 2009 - Rep. John Dingell formally introduced FSEA as HR 2749 co-sponsored by Reps. Henry Waxman, Frank Pallone, Bart Stupak, Diane DeGette and Betty Sutton.  HR 2749 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  [View http://bit.ly/HR2749_Dingell060809] [click date for video]

Jun 3, 2009 - Hearing
The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health held a legislative hearing on the discussion draft.  The purpose of was "to elicit views from FDA and other stakeholders on this legislation."

May 26, 2009 - House Committee on Energy and Commerce issued a Press Release about a  Discussion draft, of the "Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009" (FSEA) including a draft bill summary

Note:  typically http://www.thomas.gov/ is the site for the most current versions, but we have found that it does not necessarily track revisions within committees