The bill would give the FDA more authority to recall tainted products, increase inspections of food processors and require producers to follow stricter standards for keeping food safe in the wake of outbreaks of contaminated peanuts, eggs and produce that have sickened hundreds. Mont., who is concerned the legislation will be burdensome on small farms, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who plans to offer an amendment to limit the use of the plastics chemical bisphenol-A. President Barack Obama issued a statement in support of the Senate food safety bill Tuesday, saying the legislation would address "long-standing challenges" of the FDA by helping producers prevent foodborne outbreaks and giving the government more tools to keep food safe. Food safety advocates have objected to some of the exemptions, saying Tester's concerns are overblown and the size of the farm is not as important as the safety of the food. We’re thrilled and we’re hopeful that we’ll get the bill to the floor soon,” Eskin said after the vote.
– A major food safety bill cleared a Senate hurdle today, but it's getting friction from a group you might not expect: locavores. They want small family farms to be exempt from the sweeping new regulations and are pushing for an amendment to that effect from Montana Democrat Jon Tester. Two high-profile names from the food world are on board, notes Food Safety News: Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser. "S 510 is the most important food safety legislation in a generation," they said in a joint statement. "The Tester amendment will make it even more effective, strengthening food safety rules while protecting small farmers and producers. We both think this is the right thing to do." Another potential holdup is an amendment from Dianne Feinstein to put limits on the use of the plastics chemical bisphenol-A in food and beverage containers, notes the AP. Negotiations with both senators continue as the Senate proceeds with the bill, which would still have to be reconciled with a House version from last year. Time is running out to get that down in the lame-duck session. The Hill has more details on the proposed new FDA powers.