WASHINGTON - Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, today lauded the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee's unanimous approval of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.
 
Hatch, a senior member of the HELP Committee and a co-sponsor of the bill (S. 510), said the bipartisan legislation is sorely needed in today's global economy.

"With past recalls on spinach, pepper, and peanuts, there appears to be an increase in the frequency of food borne outbreaks," said Hatch. "Therefore, in my opinion, it is evident that our current laws and regulations governing our food safety system are antiquated and should be updated. 
 
"We live in a global food economy; however, our nation's current food safety laws and regulations are geared predominantly to a local and domestic market.  Unfortunately, the safety challenges that arise from the global market must be addressed," Hatch added.
 
If adopted by the full Senate, S. 510 would ensure a safer food supply for families in Utah and across the nation by enhancing preventive measures, safety inspections and consumer protections. It would further require the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare a National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy to ensure the protection of our food supply chain from malicious actions.
 
While supporting S. 510, Hatch stated that it is important not to overreach by implementing provisions at the expense of existing legislation that has a proven track record - legislation such as the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.   "When we update our current food safety system, we must protect current laws that have solid consumer protections," the Senator said.
 
Hatch also thanked others on the committee for working with him to ensure that the impact on our nation's small businesses is given full consideration in the legislation.
"Small businesses contribute greatly to Utah's economy, and I am committed to doing all I can to promote job creation, grow our economy, and ensure America's businesses are competitive in the global marketplace," Hatch said.