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.
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.
-
The elite falcon trade in the Middle EastUnder the Radar Popularity of the birds of prey has been ‘soaring’ despite doubts over the legality of sourcing and concerns for animal welfare
-
A running list of the international figures Donald Trump has pardonedin depth The president has grown bolder in flexing executive clemency powers beyond national borders
-
Mixed nuts: RFK Jr.’s new nutrition guidelines receive uneven reviewsTalking Points The guidelines emphasize red meat and full-fat dairy
