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Congressional reaction to egg recall

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the massive recall of eggs suspected of salmonella contamination from two Iowa egg production companies might have been avoidable.

“It’s my understanding that the Food and Drug Administration, about the time of the recall or about the time the eggs would have gone out, had issued some new regulations that probably would have intercepted the problems that we now face,” said Grassley

But he says Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro does not agree and is holding congressional hearings on the situation. She is the loudest voice for food safety reforms in the House.

Grassley says he does agree that the FDA needs more enforcement authority.

“Confidence in our food is very essential for consumer safety but also for profitability for farmers. It’s not good for farmers if people have any doubts about the food supply,” said Grassley.

There are reports the Senate will take up the food modernization act when it returns in mid-September – that comprehensive food safety bill passed the House last year.