Why Senate Bill 510 Should Not Be Passed

As communication, transportation and free trade among countries has increased, so has the globalization of our nation’s food supply. Because we, the United States of America, are currently importing 15 percent of our nation’s total food supply, as well as, 60 percent of our produce and 80 percent of our seafood (FDA Could Strengthen) consumers are often left wondering if our food system is really safe. With the Food and Drug Administration overseeing the safety of many imported products such as produce, seafood and dairy, the FDA’s regulations are under constant scrutiny from the public, organizations and the federal government. Moreover, because contaminated products still slip past the current FDA food safety systems, people are calling for changes.

S. 510 known as the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 has been called “a major step in the right direction” by FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg (Harris) and is one of the bills being pushed to produce this change. However, concern is being expressed over the potential effects that this bill may have on more than just imported foods. Before I began my research on S. 510, I was confident in the ability of this bill to produce the much-needed change in the safety of our food and should, therefore, be passed. However, after learning more about the possible result that this bill could potentially have, if passed, I have come to the conclusion that S. 510 is not yet ready to become law.

To begin with the bill S.510 FDA Food Modernization Act was sponsored by Senator Richard Durban (D-IL), along with 15 other co-sponsors, and was introduced on March 3, 2009. After its introduction it was referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee with Chairman Senator Thomas Harkin (D-IA), as well as the House Homeland Security Subcommittee with Chairman Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS2) (Gov Track). After a voice vote the Committee of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions approved the bill. On December 18, 2009 the Committee took the bill to the Senate floor with one amendment having been made. After being placed on the Senate calendar it was thought that the bill would be considered by the full Senate during the week of April 19, 2010. However, other bills of higher importance took precedence, such as H.R. 3200-American’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, and S. 510 is currently expected to be considered at any time (Summary and Background).