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.
The passage of SB376 would specifically amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include provisions allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request reasonable access to CAFOs for microbial sampling purposes. This access is critical during foodborne illness investigations and reflects a proactive approach to prevent potential outbreaks. Additionally, the collected data would be shared with other relevant public health authorities, which could enhance collective efforts in safeguarding food safety and public health across state and federal levels.
SB376, known as the Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025, aims to enhance the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authority to conduct microbial sampling on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). This measure is designed to facilitate investigations into foodborne illness outbreaks, identify their root causes, and address other essential public health needs. By granting the FDA this authority, the bill seeks to improve monitoring and response mechanisms related to food safety, particularly in large-scale livestock operations where contamination risks can pose significant public health threats.
While proponents of the bill argue that increased oversight over CAFOs is essential for public health, there may be concerns from stakeholders within the agricultural sector regarding regulatory overreach. Some farmers may resist the idea of the federal government having greater access to their operations, fearing that it could impose additional burdens or restrictions. Furthermore, there may be a debate over the definition of 'reasonable access' and what constitutes appropriate conditions for sampling, which could lead to tensions between regulatory agencies and agricultural operators.