Food Safety and Big Government Part Two
Yesterday, I introduced you to a proposed food safety bill, HR 2749. I'm Jeff Keane; today I'll fill you in on some of the nastier points of this measure right after a short break.
HR 2749, entitled the Food Safety Enhancement Act introduced by Representative John Dingell has some dandy regulations and controls aimed at small-scale food processors and farmers selling directly to consumers. The legislation mandates a $500 annual fee on any "facility" that holds, processes, or manufactures food. Farms are reported to be exempt, but this bill allows the FDA to regulate how crops are grown and harvested. The FDA also has the power to make warrantless searches of small farmers' and local producers' business records even if there is no evidence of wrong doing. Farmers' records would have to provide the federal government where they buy their supplies, how they raise their crops, and a list of customers. Penalties outlined in the bill include prison terms up to 10 years, and/or fines up to $100,000 for each violation. As I said yesterday, these small food operations and farmers selling directly to consumers eat the same food they sell. That's almost like having an official food taster for a king. Not only did Representative Dingell introduce this bill it was marked up and passed on by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce which he also chairs. The five co-sponsors are all from his political party. I think this legislation is not so much about food safety as it is about collecting money, making jobs, and following the theme of the current administration of control and regulation. I'm Jeff Keane.
