If enacted, HB 4110 would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by providing clear guidelines on how the FDA can access CAFOs for microbial sampling. The intended outcome is to facilitate quicker and more thorough investigations into foodborne illnesses, potentially leading to improved safety standards and practices within the agriculture sector. Additionally, the coordination of collected data among public health agencies is emphasized, which could foster a comprehensive strategy in monitoring and managing food safety threats.
Summary
House Bill 4110, titled the 'Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2023', aims to enhance public health measures related to food safety by granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to conduct microbial sampling at concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The bill allows the Secretary of the FDA to request access to these operations when necessary for foodborne illness outbreak investigations, to determine the causes of such outbreaks, or to address other public health emergencies. This change reflects an effort to respond more effectively to food safety concerns while ensuring the public's health is prioritized.
Contention
While the bill is aimed at improving food safety, it may face scrutiny regarding the balance of regulatory authority between federal and state levels, particularly among stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Concerns may arise about the implications of increased federal oversight and the potential burden on farmers and ranchers who operate CAFOs. Opponents may argue that further regulations could create unwarranted challenges for agricultural operations, thereby affecting their livelihood and operational dynamics.
Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025This bill provides that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may, under specified circumstances, request access to a concentrated animal-feeding operation (i.e., a stabled or confined animal-feeding operation of a specified size) to conduct microbial sampling.Specifically, the bill allows the FDA to request access if the FDA determines that sampling is necessary to facilitate an investigation of a foodborne-illness outbreak, determine the cause of an outbreak, or address other public health needs. Concentrated animal-feeding operations must provide reasonable access for sampling, including sampling of plants, animals, water, and the environment. The bill imposes penalties on operations that refuse to provide reasonable access. Data collected in sampling efforts under this bill must be shared with the Department of Agriculture and state and federal public health agencies to facilitate the detection, investigation, and prevention of foodborne illness.
Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025This bill provides that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may, under specified circumstances, request access to a concentrated animal-feeding operation (i.e., a stabled or confined animal-feeding operation of a specified size) to conduct microbial sampling.Specifically, the bill allows the FDA to request access if the FDA determines that sampling is necessary to facilitate an investigation of a foodborne-illness outbreak, determine the cause of an outbreak, or address other public health needs. Concentrated animal-feeding operations must provide reasonable access for sampling, including sampling of plants, animals, water, and the environment. The bill imposes penalties on operations that refuse to provide reasonable access. Data collected in sampling efforts under this bill must be shared with the Department of Agriculture and state and federal public health agencies to facilitate the detection, investigation, and prevention of foodborne illness.
Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023 Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023 Animal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023