House sends food safety bill to president
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
By MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House has passed a sweeping bill aimed at making food safer following recent outbreaks in peanuts, eggs and produce, sending it to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The legislation passed Tuesday would give the government broad new powers to inspect processing plants, order recalls and impose stricter standards for imported foods.
The food safety bill has faced several false starts since the House first passed it in July 2009. Most recently, the Senate passed the bill in November, including tax provisions that were supposed to originate in the House under the constitution, threatening completion of the bill.
Democratic leader Harry Reid gave the legislation a last-minute, surprise reprieve Sunday by working with Republicans to pass a standalone food safety bill by voice vote, sending it to the House.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.