I have been in contact with United States senators and representatives, sharing my opinions on current food safety legislation; I encourage everyone to do so. Here is a recent email sent to me by Senator Michael Bennet.
Food safety legislation reform has taken a back seat recently to the emotional debate on healthcare reform. I would argue that food safety is closely related and just as important.
A week ago I participated on a conference call, at S.T.O.P.’s invitation, with over one-hundred people and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL). Mr. Durbin is the majority whip in the Senate and sponsor of bill S-510, the Food Safety Modernization Act. The bill is still in committee and may come up for vote by the end of the year.
For those who did not see the Larry King Live show on October 12 entitled “Is Meat Safe,” the topic of the night featured food safety and E. coli.
E. coli has made some high-profile news headlines lately. The stories recall horrific memories for me of Chance’s illness, and yet they strengthen my resolve to tell our story and educate people about the danger of eating unsafe beef. They should represent a call to action for all of us.
I am pleased to report that an important bill, H.R. 2749, passed in the House of Representatives on Thursday, July 30. This bill was co-sponsored by Diana DeGette of Colorado, one of our most important allies in the fight to improve our nation’s food safety regulations.
I am encouraged by the steps President Obama is taking to improve the nation’s food safety system. The food safety working group he created in March recently presented him with their initial recommendations on Tuesday, July 7. In addition, the administration created a post of deputy food commissioner to coordinate food safety tasks.
The recommendations were praised by groups briefed on the plan, such as Safe Tables our Priority, for focusing on prevention.
With Tuesday’s announcements, I am hopeful our country is on the right track. Still, we have a great deal of work to be done before reaching our ultimate goal of safe food.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a statement on June 18 urging Coloradans not to eat raw Nestle Toll House cookie dough due to possible E. coli 0157:H7 contamination. The CDPHE is advising consumers to not use this product for the time being.
Click here to read the entire press release on the CDPHE website.
This alert was brought to my attention by S.T.O.P. This organization was invaluable to Marti and me during Chance’s illness by providing us with information and support.
Click here to tearn more about S.T.O.P. on their website.
Stay safe! —Kip
I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Joseph Coning of Tennessee. Joseph passed on Monday after losing his battle with E. coli and hemolytic uremic syndrome. I wept for the Coning’s when I read this; their story reminded me why I am so passionate about wanting to tell Chance’s story through my book and speaking engagements. This truly is why I want to spread the word about issues of food safety.