Food safety legislation
New legislation passed in the Senate would enable regulators to prevent food contamination rather than merely respond to outbreaks.
Following food-poisoning outbreaks from tainted eggs, spinach, and peanut butter in recent years, the U.S. Senate this week approved an overhaul of food-safety laws. The legislation, which passed on a rare bipartisan 73–25 vote, grants broader regulatory and investigative powers to the Food and Drug Administration, creates more stringent guidelines for farmers and food processors, and sets safety rules for imported foods. The legislation would enable regulators to prevent food contamination rather than merely respond to outbreaks. The House last year passed its own legislation, but House leaders say they may adopt the Senate version to speed the law’s passage this year.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Political cartoons for November 13Cartoons Thursday's political cartoons include a flurry of Epstein files, grocery prices, and an end to the shutdown
-
Grove of Narberth: comfort and style in the Welsh countrysideThe Week Recommends This boutique Georgian manor in Pembrokeshire is the perfect rural retreat
-
Sudoku medium: November 13, 2025The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle