Dear Mr. Yoganathan:
Thank you for writing to share your concerns about legislation intended to improve food safety. Your correspondence is important to me and I welcome the opportunity to respond.
As you know, recent outbreaks of food borne illnesses and concerns about the safety of imported food have prompted numerous legislative proposals to increase the safety of the U.S. food supply. While I am concerned about deficiencies in the U.S. food safety system, I believe that reforms must be well thought out to avoid unintended consequences.
On June 17, 2009, Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI) introduced the "Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009" (H.R. 2749) and on March 3, 2009, Senator **** Durbin (D-IL) introduced the "FDA Food Safety Modernization Act" (S. 510). Each of these bills would increase the Food and Drug Administration's regulatory powers over the national food supply and food providers. I am currently reviewing both pieces of legislation and will keep your thoughts and priorities in mind as the Senate considers the bills.
Again, thank you for writing. I hope that you will continue to share your thoughts and ideas with me. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to call my Washington, D.C. staff at (202) 224-3841.
Sincerely yours, Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website
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