Food and Drug Administration a "sorry mess"

July 17, 2007
Food and Drug Administration a "sorry mess"

In the wake of reports of contaminated food not only from China but also from domestic processors, the FDA's approach of relying on voluntary compliance "appears inadequate in responding to the changing food industry," said David Nelson, a senior investigator for the committee.

"FDA's ill-conceived decision to close seven of its 13 laboratories likely would expose American consumers to even more danger from unsafe foods, particularly imports," said Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., chairman of the oversight subcommittee.

Criticism of the FDA was bipartisan. "The FDA must enter the 21st century," said Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.