Have Lawmakers Finally Seen the Light On the Lack of Security On America's Foods?

Due to the seeming increase in such events as E. coli, Salmonella and even the most recent melamine contamination inside America's shores, US lawmakers are pushing a bill that will take all food safety responsibilities and place it under one common federal agency.
After a little bit of my own research, it was quite evident how convoluted and "mismashed" the system really is (I apologize for the technical jargon, but I couldn't quite express it any better way.... hahahaha..) There are currently 12 federal agencies, enforcing 35 laws in keeping our food safe. The two major agencies are the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As described by the article on CNN's website, simply put the USDA is in charge of meats and poultry, and the FDA is in charge of dairy and vegetables.
With over 22 different E. coli breakouts since 1995, and consistent cuts to the agencies budget's, the overall picture is not heartening.
The goal of these lawmakers is embodied in the the Food Safety Act of 2007, the bill that they have introduced, which would create a Food Safety Administration responsible for ensuring the security of the food supply from all forms of contamination.
I agree that something must be done, and while further government awareness is crucial, I don't always believe that new legislation, a brand new behemoth centralized agency, and a pack of concerned lawmakers will cause greater action. I want to believe it will, but you might as well toss a penny in a fountain on Capitol Hill. You might find you get the same results.
Whereas the original design of the Government of the United States of America is to first and foremost protect it's citizens, once again I believe it will be the triumph of the individualistic spirit of each and every American that will ultimately beat this. That is the spirit upon which this great country was founded and grown, and I don't believe that kind of attitude becomes old.
So stay educated. Read about what's going on and protect yourself with a proactive mentality. Don't let yourself become victim to the standards of others. Set your own HIGH standards and hold the rest accountable.

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http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/05/17/food.safety.law/index.html

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