The House recently passed legislation providing for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s food safety program within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The bill – HR 2749 – was approved by a vote of 283 – 142 and would give the FDA authority to create a system for tracing food throughout the supply chain so recalls can be implemented more swiftly.

The bill would also give the FDA the unprecedented right to impose civil and criminal penalties and implement mandatory food quarantines.  And, the FDA could prohibit or restrict the movement of contaminated food or vehicles that transport such foods.  The House-passed bill would also increase the frequency of FDA inspections at certain food facilities, calling for inspections ranging from every six months to every five years based upon a facilities perceived risk factor.

The bill calls for food facilities to register with the FDA and pay a registration fee that would be used in part to pay for the expanded FDA enforcement.  Fees would be set at $500 yearly per food facility.  Fees would be capped at $175,000 annually for companies owning multiple facilities.

This bill must now be considered by the Senate.