President Obama signed the sweeping food safety measure into law this week establishing the most significant overhaul of food safety laws in almost 70 years.  This new law, which had the support of a broad coalition of food industry, consumer and public health groups, will cost almost $1.5 billion over the next five years.  Among the many provisions of the new law, the FDA can now order recalls of tainted foods – whereas previously the agency could only ask businesses to voluntarily recall tainted food.

In addition, the new law would increase inspections of food productions sites and inspections of imported foods.  The law would also require grocery stores to prominently post any recall information and require food processors and farms to keep records of food safety procedures.

Some questions remain as to the level of funding that will provided to carry out this new law.  As the new Republican-led House begins the 112th Congress there are indications that funding levels maybe scaled back as part of a budget cut to be proposed soon.