Last week the Senate cooked up a Scooby Snack for the FDA. The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee unanimously approved a bill that will make the FDA run around all hyper and bestow it with super strength and ghost-catching ability, the LA. Times reports, though not in those words.

Andrew Zajac writes:

The measure, like one passed in the House, would significantly upgrade the FDA’s regulatory powers — giving the agency the power to order a food recall instead of merely requesting that a producer institute one. In its version of the bill, the Senate panel added whistle-blower protections and unspecified grants to states to beef up food safety capabilities. It also would require the government to take into account organic agricultural standards and other factors when writing food safety rules.

The legislation is on the backburner for now as the Senate tries to get its act on health care together, but should come to the floor next year.

Senate committee approves food safety bill [L.A. Times]
(Thanks, NORMLgirl!)

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