More on California Senate passage of food safety bills
The Salinas Californian reported on the California Senate's passage of Bills 200, 201, and 202 - all bills introduced by Senator Dean Florez in response to last year's E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks traced back to leafy greens grown in California. The Californian's Jake Henshaw wrote:
The state Senate on Wednesday decided that California should establish greater regulatory control over the leafy green industry to improve food safety.With little debate, senators approved a three-bill package by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, giving state health regulators power to set standards for growing and processing leafy produce, including spinach and lettuce, and to set up an inspection program with state agricultural officials.
Growers also would have to set up a system that meets state standards to quickly track contaminated products and to conduct recalls.
The Fresno Bee's E. J. Schultz also reported on the passage:
Republicans voted no, including Valley Sens. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, Jeff Denham, R-Atwater and Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield. And several moderate Democrats were reluctant to vote yes, though Florez was able to twist enough arms to get at least the necessary 21 votes for each bill.The bills head next to the Assembly, where the fight could be just as tough. Gov. Schwarzenegger has not taken a position. But his administration is supporting the industry approach. In March, the governor told reporters that he was “proud” of the state’s farmers who “want to regulate themselves now in a very strict way to make sure that the people are protected.”
