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Essay / Why Senate Bill 510 Should Not Pass - 4364
As communications, transportation, and free trade between countries have increased, so has the globalization of our nation's food supply also increased. Because we, the United States of America, currently import 15 percent of our country's total food supply, as well as 60 percent of our produce and 80 percent of our seafood (the FDA could strengthen) , consumers often wonder if our food system is truly safe. While the Food and Drug Administration oversees the safety of many imported products such as fruits and vegetables, seafood, and dairy products, FDA regulations are constantly monitored by the public, organizations, and the federal government. Additionally, because contaminated products still escape the FDA's current food safety systems, people are calling for changes. Act 510, known as the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, was called a "major step in the right direction" by FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg (Harris) and is one of the proposed law pushed to produce this change. However, concerns are being expressed about the potential effects this bill could have on products other than imported foods. Before I began researching Section 510, I was confident that this bill would produce much-needed change in our food safety and should therefore pass. However, after learning more about the possible outcome this bill could have, if passed, I have come to the conclusion that Section 510 is not yet ready to become law. To begin, the S.510 FDA Food Modernization Act bill was sponsored by Senator Richard Durban (D-IL), with 15 other cosponsors, and was introduced on March 3, 2009. After its introduction, it was referred on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions under the chairmanship of Senator Thomas Harkin. (D-IA), as well as the House Homeland Security Subcommittee with Chairman-Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS2) (Gov Track). After a voice vote, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions approved the bill. On December 18, 2009, the Committee presented the bill to the Senate with one amendment having been made. After being placed on the Senate calendar, it was believed that the bill would be considered by the full Senate during the week of April 19, 2010. However, other bills of greater importance took priority , such as HR 3200-America's Affordable Health Choices Act. 2009, and S. 510 is currently expected to be reviewed at any time (Summary and Background).