HEALTH - FDA and American's Safety

"FDA's Safety Role in Question After Egg Recall"
PBS Newshour 9/1/2010

(from transcript)

MARGARET HAMBURG, commissioner, Food and Drug Administration: You know, you have to -- to realize that many of the laws that created the FDA are the same laws that we're operating under today. And, at one time, they were fitting and appropriate, but the world has changed a lot. And we do need some new tools and authorities.

BETTY ANN BOWSER (Newshour): Hamburg also wants Congress to give FDA more power to regulate the nation's food supply, which every day comes more and more from other countries.

A bill that would have been the first to increase FDA's authority over food in 70 years passed the House last year, but the Senate failed to take action before going home for its summer recess. The legislation would require many food processors to keep records and report what they do to prevent contamination, would give the agency power to recall food products suspected of contamination. Currently, FDA can only react when tainted food has made people sick.

Former Deputy FDA Commissioner William Hubbard says, the legislation is badly needed.

Unchanged in 70 YEARS! How can the FDA protect American citizens if its regulations and authority haven't kept up with today's world?

Will some changes cost more (bigger budget)? Yes. But what are YOU willing to pay for protecting the food and drugs you take? In other words, what is your life worth?