The problems which lead to contaminants in the food supply rest in the industrialized food system itself. So it is interesting that they are fast tracking a bill through congress to address food safety concerns that actually is going to make a red tape bureaucratic nightmare for small farmers and producers to get their product directly to consumers. This effects all of us in the states.

"111th U.S. Congress - House Bill HR 2749 [Click here for FAQs]

A new food safety bill is on the fast track in Congress--HR 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. The bill needs to be stopped!

HR 2749 gives FDA tremendous power while significantly diminishing existing judicial restraints on actions taken by the agency. The bill would impose a one-size-fits-all regulatory scheme on small farms and local artisanal producers; and it would disproportionately impact their operations for the worse.

HR 2749 does not address underlying causes of food safety problems such as industrial agriculture practices and the consolidation of our food supply. The industrial food system and food imports are badly in need of effective regulation, but the HR 2749 does not specifically direct regulation or resources to these areas.

ALARMING PROVISIONS (see Talking Points):
* Power to Quarantine a Geographic Area; the FDA can also Halt All Movement of All Food in a geographic area.

* Warrantless Searches of Business Records.

* Establishing a Tracing System for Food.

* Severe Criminal and Civil Penalties.

* Annual Registration Fee ($500 for 2010).

* Regulation of How Crops Are Raised and Harvested.

In opposing passage of HR 2749, it is good to emphasize any of the Talking Points. Click here for More Information. "