Remember that spinach and peanut butter that got recalled? Turns out the FDA knew of the dangers to the food supply for years but, understaffed and underfunded, they only took tiny steps to address the problems.

The FDA checked out salmonella complaints at the ConAgra plant back in 2005, but left and didn’t investigate further after the company didn’t supply additional requested documents.

The FDA also knew of persistent problems with the spinach and other leafy green vegetables, but lacked sufficient resources to press the matter.

“This administration does not like regulation, this administration does not like spending money, and it has a hostility toward government. The poisonous result is that a program like the FDA is going to suffer at every turn of the road,” said Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich). — BEN POPKEN

FDA Was Aware of Dangers To Food [Washington Post] (Thanks to Lana!)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.