Urges United States Department of Agriculture to declare Salmonella strain that causes human illness an adulterant.
Impact
By categorizing harmful strains of Salmonella as adulterants, the USDA would enable more rigorous regulatory actions to prevent contaminated food items from reaching consumers. This endeavor aligns with public health interests and underscores New Jersey's commitment to maintaining the health and well-being of its residents. Improved food safety protocols could significantly decrease the incidence of salmonellosis, which can lead to severe illness in humans.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 100 urges the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to classify any strain of Salmonella that causes human illness as an adulterant in food products. Salmonella is a significant cause of foodborne illness in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually due to the pathogen. The resolution highlights the importance of ensuring food safety and protecting the health of New Jersey residents through stricter regulations.
Contention
While the USDA has previously recognized certain strains of E. coli as adulterants and has taken steps to regulate Salmonella in specific raw chicken products, the resolution calls for a more uniform approach that encompasses all strains of Salmonella that are capable of causing illness. This plea reflects a broader public health necessity for consistent food safety measures across all food products, as the presence of such pathogens in the food supply poses serious health risks.
Urges BPU to investigate broadband Internet and landline telephone services in State's rural communities; urges State Board of Agriculture and Department of Agriculture to explore ways these services can be brought to State's rural communities.
Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 213: Rules for the Salmonella Enteritidis Risk Reduction and Surveillance Program for Commercial Egg-type Flocks, a Late-filed Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Authorizing the animal health commissioner to adopt rules and regulations to administer the poultry disease control act and to establish an annual participation fee for participation in the national poultry improvement plan, a certification fee for persons performing testing and diagnostic services and a testing fee per visit to each location participating in the plan.
Authorizing the animal health commissioner to adopt rules and regulations to administer the poultry disease control act and to establish an annual participation fee not to exceed $50 for participation in the national poultry improvement plan, a certification fee not to exceed $50 for persons performing testing and diagnostic services and a testing fee not to exceed $100 per visit to each location participating in the plan.