Safe Food Coalition Urges Congress to Rescind Delay on FDA Traceability Rule to Improve Food Safety
A coalition of consumer and public health advocates, known as the Safe Food Coalition, has urged congressional leaders to rescind an appropriations rider that prevents the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from enforcing its traceability rule for high-risk foods until July 20, 2028. The rule, which was originally intended to help agencies pinpoint the source of foodborne illness outbreaks more quickly, was delayed by the administration during the Trump Administration. Proponents argue that the delay is hindering the response to the current cyclosporiasis epidemic, which has allegedly killed two people and sickened nearly 30,000 individuals. The coalition noted that the lack of traceability has caused a crisis in consumer confidence, particularly regarding Taylor Farms, the major lettuce supplier implicated in the outbreak. While the food industry, led by the Food Industry Association, has lobbied for more time to manage costs and complexity, advocates argue that the delay may weaken the rule's core requirements and penalize companies that have already invested in traceability systems.
Sources
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US law to investigate foodborne illness outbreaks has been delayed for 15 years
The Guardian
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The Guardian Went and Read the Lobbying Disclosures. Now We Know Who Asked Congress to Push the Traceability Rule to 2028.
Marler Blog
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Article - Safe Food Coalition Urges Congress to Reverse Freeze on FDA Traceability Funding
Consumer Federation of America
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Coalition wants Congress to rescind delay of food traceability rule
foodsafetynews.com
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Congress Urged to Prevent FDA Traceability Rule Delay, Which Could Have Helped Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation
Food Safety Magazine