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Durbin Introduces Bill to Increase FDA Oversight

Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate would grant the Food and Drug Administration new authority to oversee the nation's food supply. Sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin, D- Ill., the bill would give FDA authority to recall products on its own, instead of relying on industry cooperation. The bill would also require the FDA to step up inspections of food facilities and to issue new rules to improve the quality of imported food and to combat contaminants in fresh produce.

"The current system really just reacts to food illness," Durban said. "We have to have a system that is protective of consumers by preventing outbreaks or nipping them in the bud."