H.R.852 - Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.852, the Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025, aims to grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to conduct microbial sampling at concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). This sampling would be conducted when necessary to investigate foodborne illness outbreaks, determine their root causes, or address other public health needs. The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include these provisions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.852 would allow the FDA to access CAFOs for microbial sampling, potentially leading to quicker identification and resolution of foodborne illness outbreaks. This could result in improved food safety and reduced public health risks. The bill also emphasizes coordination between the FDA, the Department of Agriculture, and other public health agencies.
Potential Benefits
- Improved food safety through proactive microbial sampling.
- Faster identification and resolution of foodborne illness outbreaks.
- Better understanding of the root causes of foodborne illnesses.
- Enhanced coordination between federal agencies in addressing public health concerns.
- Potential reduction in healthcare costs associated with foodborne illnesses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on CAFOs.
- Possible conflicts between the FDA and CAFO operators regarding access and sampling procedures.
- Uncertainty regarding the scope and frequency of FDA inspections.
- Concerns about data privacy and the sharing of information between agencies.
- Potential for increased costs for CAFOs to comply with sampling requests.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to promote public health by improving food safety. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the regulation of interstate commerce, which includes food safety, has been historically interpreted as a federal power. The bill includes provisions to coordinate with other public health agencies, including state agencies, which could address federalism concerns.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).