Edwards pushes food safety, country-of-origin labeling
Associated Press
Monday, August 6, 2007---
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)--Democratic presidential contender John Edwards called July 10 for tougher enforcement of food-labeling laws and tighter inspections of food being shipped into the country.
Edwards complained to Iowa reporters during a conference call that Congress has failed to pass food labeling laws that would specify the country where a food originated.
"It's time we stopped giving in to big agribusinesses and food importers," Edwards said.
The labeling issue is part of a larger package Edwards has proposed to improve food safety.
He said labeling food to identify its country of origin could prevent concerns, such as ones surrounding food imported from China.
"We need to give Americans the information they need to choose the best, and safest, food for their families," Edwards said.
Fears over Chinese products were sparked by Chinese-made toothpaste tainted with diethylene glycol, an agent used in antifreeze, and pet food containing Chinese wheat gluten tainted with the chemical melamine, which was blamed for the deaths of dogs and cats in the U.S.
Since then, the U.S. has turned away or recalled toxic fish and juice containing unsafe color additives.
Edwards also wants to consolidate food inspection duties among 15 agencies in a strengthened Food and Drug Administration; allow the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to order mandatory recalls of unsafe food; tighten inspections of imported foods; and require countries that ship food to the U.S. to have certified inspection systems in place before food can be shipped.
http://www.hpj.com/archives/2007/aug07/aug6/Edwardspushesfoodsafetycoun.cfm
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