Gov. Blagojevich urges Congress to oppose bill that would undermine Illinois' ability to ensure food safety      

House Resolution 4167 could weaken state food safety standards

[MARCH 3, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich sent a letter Thursday to Illinois' congressional delegation urging them to vote against a bill that would pre-empt state food safety rules and regulations that are stronger than federal requirements. House Resolution 4167 is intended to provide uniform food safety warnings and notifications. But, the bill goes beyond its purpose and will threaten state food safety programs and the ability to respond without delay to local food safety concerns.

"While this resolution may be designed to create national uniform food safety warning notification requirements, I believe it will ultimately hinder our ability to protect our state's food supply and hinder our ability to respond quickly to local food safety concerns," the governor wrote. "In 2002, 40 Illinois schoolchildren became sick after eating what appeared to be ammonia-contaminated chicken. Our Department of Public Health issued the necessary embargoes, and the product was immediately removed from the schools so no other children became ill. The bill under consideration by Congress would have prevented our state health department from taking immediate action in a situation like this."

Regulating and protecting the food supply is a responsibility shared by local, state and federal governments. In fact, approximately 80 percent of food safety inspections in the United States are completed at state and local levels.

"The charge of the state health department and its local partners is to ensure the safety of the food supply and protect the public's health," said Dr. Eric Whitaker, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. "In order to accomplish these goals, the state must retain its authority to respond to contaminated and adulterated products without the added burden and delay of seeking federal permission before taking action."

"It is critical not to hinder our ability to ensure food safety in Illinois," Illinois Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "Illinois is a leader in food production, and it is imperative that our inspectors are able to do their jobs to make sure that food gets from the farm to the grocery store to your table safely."

Several groups have voiced their opposition to the bill, including state departments of agriculture, state food and drug officials, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the California attorney general, and several consumer advocacy groups.

A copy of the governor's letter follows:

Dear Member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation,

I am writing today about The National Uniformity for Foods Act of 2005, currently pending in the United States House of Representatives. I am deeply concerned about how the bill will impact our ability to make sure the food supply in Illinois is safe.

While this resolution may be designed to create national uniform food safety warning notification requirements, I believe it will ultimately hinder our ability to protect our state's food supply, and hinder our ability to respond quickly to local food safety concerns.

In 2002, 40 Illinois school children became sick after eating what appeared to be ammonia-contaminated chicken. Our Department of Public Health issued the necessary embargos and the product was immediately removed from the schools so no other children became ill. The bill under consideration by Congress would have prevented our state health department from taking immediate action in a situation like this.

Regulating and protecting the food supply is a responsibility shared by local, state and federal governments. In fact, approximately 80% of food safety inspections in the United States are completed at state and local levels. Therefore, passage of House Resolution 4167, preempting state rules on food supply that may be stronger than federal law, could put Illinois' residents and visitors at risk.

The State of Illinois does not oppose the concept of uniform food labeling. However, the resolution extends well beyond labeling. The charge of our state health department and its local partners is to ensure the safety of the food supply and protect the public's health. In order to accomplish these goals, Illinois must retain its authority to respond to contaminated and adulterated products without the added burden and delay of seeking federal permission before taking action.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
Rod R. Blagojevich
Governor, Illinois

[News release from the governor's office]