109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1507
To establish the Food Safety Administration to protect the public
health by preventing food-borne illness, ensuring the safety of food, improving
research on contaminants leading to food-borne illness, and improving security
of food from intentional contamination, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 6, 2005
Ms. DELAURO introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To establish the Food Safety Administration to protect the public
health by preventing food-borne illness, ensuring the safety of food, improving
research on contaminants leading to food-borne illness, and improving security
of food from intentional contamination, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Safe Food Act of 2005'.
(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings; purposes.
TITLE I--ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 101. Establishment of Food Safety Administration.
Sec. 102. Consolidation of separate food safety and inspection services
and agencies.
Sec. 103. Additional duties of the Administration.
TITLE II--ADMINISTRATION OF FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM
Sec. 201. Administration of national program.
Sec. 202. Registration of food establishments and foreign food establishments.
Sec. 203. Preventative process controls to reduce adulteration of food.
Sec. 204. Performance standards for contaminants in food.
Sec. 205. Inspections of food establishments.
Sec. 206. Food production facilities.
Sec. 207. Federal and State cooperation.
TITLE III--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Sec. 301. Public health assessment system.
Sec. 302. Public education and advisory system.
TITLE IV--ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 401. Prohibited Acts.
Sec. 402. Food detention, seizure, and condemnation.
Sec. 403. Notification and recall.
Sec. 404. Injunction proceedings.
Sec. 405. Civil and criminal penalties.
Sec. 407. Whistleblower protection.
Sec. 408. Administration and enforcement.
Sec. 409. Citizen civil actions.
TITLE V--IMPLEMENTATION
Sec. 502. Reorganization plan.
Sec. 503. Transitional authorities.
Sec. 504. Savings provisions.
Sec. 505. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 506. Additional technical and conforming amendments.
Sec. 508. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 509. Limitation on authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 510. Effective date.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSES.
(a) Findings- Congress finds that--
(1) the safety of the food supply of the United States is vital to the public
health, to public confidence in the food supply, and to the success of the
food sector of the Nation's economy;
(2) lapses in the protection of the food supply and loss of public confidence
in food safety are damaging to consumers and the food industry, and place
a burden on interstate commerce;
(3) the safety and security of the food supply requires an integrated, system-wide
approach to preventing food-borne illness, a thorough and broad-based approach
to basic and applied research, and intensive, effective, and efficient management
of the Nation's food safety program;
(4) the task of preserving the safety of the food supply of the United States
faces tremendous pressures with regard to--
(A) emerging pathogens and other contaminants and the ability to detect
all forms of contamination;
(B) an aging and immune compromised population, with a growing number
of people at high-risk for food-borne illnesses, including infants and
children;
(C) an increasing volume of imported food, without adequate monitoring
and inspection; and
(D) maintenance of rigorous inspection of the domestic food processing
and food service industries;
(5) Federal food safety standard setting, inspection, enforcement, and research
efforts should be based on the best available science and public health
considerations and food safety resources should be systematically deployed
in ways that most effectively prevent food-borne illness;
(6) the Federal food safety system is fragmented, with at least 12 Federal
agencies sharing responsibility for food safety, and operates under laws
that do not reflect current conditions in the food system or current scientific
knowledge about the cause and prevention of food-borne illness;
(7) the fragmented Federal food safety system and outdated laws preclude
an integrated, system-wide approach to preventing food-borne illness, to
the effective and efficient operation of the Nation's food safety program,
and to the most beneficial deployment of food safety resources;
(8) the National Academy of Sciences recommended in the report `Ensuring
Safe Food from Production to Consumption' that Congress establish by statute
a unified and central framework for managing Federal food safety programs,
and recommended modifying Federal statutes so that inspection, enforcement,
and research efforts are based on scientifically supportable assessments
of risks to public health; and
(9) the lack of a single focal point for food safety leadership in the United
States undercuts the ability of the United States to exert food safety leadership
internationally, which is detrimental to the public health and the international
trade interests of the United States.
(b) Purposes- The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to establish a single agency to be known as the `Food Safety Administration'
to--
(A) regulate food safety and labeling to strengthen the protection of
the public health;
(B) ensure that food establishments fulfill their responsibility to produce
food in a manner that protects the public health of all people in the
United States;
(C) lead an integrated, system-wide approach to food safety and to make
more effective and efficient use of resources to prevent food-borne illness;
(D) provide a single focal point for food safety leadership, both nationally
and internationally; and
(E) provide an integrated food safety research capability, utilizing internally-generated,
scientifically and statistically valid studies, in cooperation with academic
institutions and other scientific entities of the Federal and State governments,
to achieve the continuous improvement of research on food-borne illness
and contaminants;
(2) to transfer to the Food Safety Administration the food safety, labeling,
inspection, and enforcement functions that, as of the day before the effective
date of this Act, are performed by other Federal agencies; and
(3) to modernize and strengthen the Federal food safety laws to achieve
more effective application and efficient management of the laws for the
protection and improvement of public health.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
(1) ADMINISTRATION- The term `Administration' means the Food Safety Administration
established under section 101(a)(1).
(2) ADMINISTRATOR- The term `Administrator' means the Administrator of Food
Safety appointed under section 101(a)(3).
(A) IN GENERAL- The term `adulterated' has the meaning described in subsections
(a) through (c) of section 402 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (21 U.S.C. 342).
(B) INCLUSION- The term `adulterated' includes bearing or containing a
contaminant that causes illness or death among sensitive populations.
(4) AGENCY- The term `agency' has the meaning given that term in section
551 of title 5, United States Code.
(5) CATEGORY 1 FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- The term `category 1 food establishment'
means a food establishment that slaughters animals for food.
(6) CATEGORY 2 FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- The term `category 2 food establishment'
means a food establishment that processes raw meat, poultry, seafood products,
regardless of whether the establishment also has a kill step, and animal
feed and other products that the Administrator determines by regulation
to be at high risk of contamination and the processes of which do not include
a step validated to destroy contaminants.
(7) CATEGORY 3 FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- The term `category 3 food establishment'
means a food establishment that processes meat, poultry, seafood products,
and other products that the Administrator determines by regulation to be
at high risk of contamination and whose processes include a step validated
to destroy contaminants.
(8) CATEGORY 4 FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- The term `category 4 food establishment'
means a food establishment that processes all other categories of food products
not described in paragraphs (5) through (7).
(9) CATEGORY 5 FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- The term `category 5 food establishment'
means a food establishment that stores, holds, or transports food products
prior to delivery for retail sale.
(10) CONTAMINANT- The term `contaminant' includes a bacterium, chemical,
natural or manufactured toxin, virus, parasite, prion, physical hazard,
or other human pathogen that when found on or in food can cause human illness,
injury, or death.
(11) CONTAMINATION- The term `contamination' refers to a presence of a contaminant
in food.
(A) IN GENERAL- The term `food' means a product intended to be used for
food or drink for a human or an animal.
(B) INCLUSIONS- The term `food' includes any product (including a meat
food product, as defined in section 1(j) of the Federal Meat Inspection
Act (21 U.S.C. 601(j))), capable for use as human food that is made in
whole or in part from any animal, including cattle, sheep, swine, or goat,
or poultry (as defined in section 4 of the Poultry Products Inspection
Act (21 U.S.C. 453)), and animal feed.
(C) EXCLUSION- The term `food' does not include dietary supplements, as
defined in section 201(ff) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(21 U.S.C. 321(ff)).
(A) IN GENERAL- The term `food establishment' means a slaughterhouse,
factory, warehouse, or facility owned or operated by a person located
in any State that processes food or a facility that holds, stores, or
transports food or food ingredients.
(B) EXCLUSIONS- For the purposes of registration, the term `food establishment'
does not include a farm, restaurant, other retail food establishment,
nonprofit food establishment in which food is prepared for or served directly
to the consumer, or fishing vessel (other than a fishing vessel engaged
in processing, as that term is defined in section 123.3 of title 21, Code
of Federal Regulations).
(14) FOOD PRODUCTION FACILITY- The term `food production facility' means
any farm, ranch, orchard, vineyard, aquaculture facility, or confined animal-feeding
operation.
(15) FOOD SAFETY LAW- The term `food safety law' means--
(A) the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
301 et seq.) related to and requiring the safety, labeling, and inspection
of food, infant formulas, food additives, pesticide residues, and other
substances present in food under that Act;
(B) the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
301 et seq.) and of any other Act that are administered by the Center
for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration;
(C) the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.);
(D) the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
(E) the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.);
(F) the Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 1990 (49 U.S.C. App. 2801
et seq.);
(G) the provisions of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978 (Public
Law 95-448) administered by the Food Safety and Inspection Service;
(H) the provisions of this Act; and
(I) such other provisions of law related to and requiring food safety,
labeling, inspection, and enforcement as the President designates by Executive
order as appropriate to include within the jurisdiction of the Administration.
(16) FOREIGN FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- The term `foreign food establishment' means
a slaughterhouse, factory, warehouse, or facility located outside the United
States that processes food for consumption that is imported into the United
States or food ingredients.
(17) INTERSTATE COMMERCE- The term `interstate commerce' has the meaning
given that term in section 201(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (21 U.S.C. 321(b)).
(18) MISBRANDED- The term `misbranded' has the meaning given that term in
section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343).
(19) PROCESS- The term `process' or `processing' means the commercial harvesting,
slaughter, packing, preparation, or manufacture of food.
(20) SAFE- The term `safe' refers to human and animal health.
(21) STATE- The term `State' means--
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(D) any other territory or possession of the United States.
(22) VALIDATION- The term `validation' means the obtaining of evidence that
the food hygiene control measure or measures selected to control a hazard
in food is capable of effectively and consistently controlling the hazard.
(23) STATISTICALLY VALID- With respect to a study, the term `statistically
valid' means evaluated and conducted under standards set by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology.
TITLE I--ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.
(1) IN GENERAL- There is established in the executive branch an agency to
be known as the `Food Safety Administration'.
(2) STATUS- The Administration shall be an independent establishment (as
defined in section 104 of title 5, United States Code).
(3) HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION- The Administration shall be headed by the Administrator
of Food Safety, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate.
(b) Duties of Administrator- The Administrator shall--
(1) administer and enforce the food safety law;
(2) serve as a representative to international food safety bodies and discussions;
(3) promulgate regulations to ensure the security of the food supply from
all forms of contamination, including intentional contamination; and
(A) implementation of Federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and
research efforts, to protect the public health;
(B) development of consistent and science-based standards for safe food;
(C) coordination and prioritization of food safety research and education
programs with other Federal agencies;
(D) prioritization of Federal food safety efforts and deployment of Federal
food safety resources to achieve the greatest possible benefit in reducing
food-borne illness;
(E) coordination of the Federal response to food-borne illness outbreaks
with other Federal and State agencies; and
(F) integration of Federal food safety activities with State and local
agencies.
SEC. 102. CONSOLIDATION OF SEPARATE FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICES
AND AGENCIES.
(a) Transfer of Functions- For each Federal agency specified in subsection
(b), there are transferred to the Administration all functions that the head
of the Federal agency exercised on the day before the effective date of this
Act (including all related functions of any officer or employee of the Federal
agency) that relate to administration or enforcement of the food safety law,
as determined by the President.
(b) Transferred Agencies- The Federal agencies referred to in subsection (a)
are--
(1) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture;
(2) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition of the Food and Drug
Administration;
(3) the part of the Agriculture Marketing Service that administers shell
egg surveillance services established under the Egg Products Inspection
Act (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.);
(4) the resources and facilities of the Office of Regulatory Affairs of
the Food and Drug Administration that administer and conduct inspections
of food establishments and imports;
(5) the resources and facilities of the Office of the Commissioner of the
Food and Drug Administration that support--
(A) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition;
(B) the Center for Veterinary Medicine; and
(C) the Office of Regulatory Affairs facilities and resources described
in paragraph (4);
(6) the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration;
(7) the resources and facilities of the Environmental Protection Agency
that control and regulate pesticide residues in food;
(8) the part of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area of the
Department of Agriculture related to food safety and animal feed research;
(9) the part of the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce that administers
the seafood inspection program;
(10) the Animal and Plant Inspection Health Service of the Department of
Agriculture; and
(11) such other offices, services, or agencies as the President designates
by Executive order to carry out this Act.
SEC. 103. ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Officers and Employees- The Administrator may--
(1) appoint officers and employees for the Administration in accordance
with the provisions of title 5, United States Code, relating to appointment
in the competitive service; and
(2) fix the compensation of those officers and employees in accordance with
chapter 51 and with subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title, relating
to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
(b) Experts and Consultants- The Administrator may--
(1) procure the services of temporary or intermittent experts and consultants
as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code; and
(2) pay in connection with those services the travel expenses of the experts
and consultants, including transportation and per diem in lieu of subsistence
while away from the homes or regular places of business of the individuals,
as authorized by section 5703 of that title.
(c) Bureaus, Offices, and Divisions- The Administrator may establish within
the Administration such bureaus, offices, and divisions as the Administrator
determines are necessary to perform the duties of the Administrator.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administrator shall establish advisory committees that
consist of representatives of scientific expert bodies, academics, industry
specialists, and consumers.
(2) DUTIES- The duties of an advisory committee established under paragraph
(1) may include developing recommendations with respect to the development
of new processes, research, communications, performance standards, and inspection.
TITLE II--ADMINISTRATION OF FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM
SEC. 201. ADMINISTRATION OF NATIONAL PROGRAM.
(a) In General- The Administrator shall--
(1) administer a national food safety program (referred to in this section
as the `program') to protect public health; and
(2) ensure that persons who produce or process food meet their responsibility
to prevent or minimize food safety hazards related to their products.
(b) Comprehensive Analysis- The program shall be based on a comprehensive
analysis of the hazards associated with different food and with the processing
of different food, including the identification and evaluation of--
(1) the severity of the potential health risks;
(2) the sources and specific points of potential contamination extending
from the farm or ranch to the consumer that may render food unsafe;
(3) the potential for persistence, multiplication, or concentration of naturally
occurring or added contaminants in food;
(4) opportunities across the food production, processing, distribution,
and retail system to reduce potential health risks; and
(5) opportunities for intentional contamination.
(c) Program Elements- In carrying out the program, the Administrator shall--
(1) adopt and implement a national system for the registration of food establishments
and foreign food establishments and regular unannounced inspection of food
establishments;
(2) enforce the adoption of process controls in food establishments, based
on best available scientific and public health considerations and best available
technologies;
(3) establish and enforce science-based standards for--
(A) substances that may contaminate food; and
(B) safety and sanitation in the processing and handling of food;
(4) implement a statistically valid sampling program to ensure that industry
programs and procedures that prevent food contamination are effective on
an ongoing basis and that food meets the standards established under this
Act;
(5) implement procedures and requirements to ensure the safety and security
of imported food;
(6) coordinate with other agencies and State or local governments in carrying
out inspection, enforcement, research, and monitoring;
(7) have access to the surveillance data of the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, and other Federal Government agencies, in order to implement
a national surveillance system to assess the health risks associated with
the human consumption of food or to create surveillance data and studies;
(8) develop public education risk communication and advisory programs;
(9) implement a basic and applied research program to further the purposes
of this Act; and
(10) coordinate and prioritize food safety research and educational programs
with other agencies, including State or local agencies.
SEC. 202. REGISTRATION OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND FOREIGN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS.
(a) In General- The Administrator shall by regulation require that any food
establishment or foreign food establishment engaged in processing food in
the United States be registered with the Administrator.
(b) Registration Requirements-
(1) IN GENERAL- To be registered under subsection (a)--
(A) in the case of a food establishment, the owner, operator, or agent
in charge of the food establishment shall submit a registration to the
Administrator; and
(B) in the case of a foreign food establishment, the owner, operator,
or agent in charge of the foreign food establishment shall--
(i) submit a registration to the Administrator; and
(ii) provide the name, address, and emergency contact information of
the United States agent for the foreign food establishment.
(2) REGISTRATION- A food establishment or foreign food establishment shall
submit a registration under paragraph (1) to the Administrator that--
(A) identifies the name, address, and emergency contact information of
each food establishment or foreign food establishment that the registrant
operates under this Act and all trade names under which the registrant
conducts business relating to food;
(B) lists the primary purpose and business activity of each food establishment
or foreign food establishment, including the dates of operation if the
food establishment or foreign food establishment is seasonal;
(C) lists the types of food processed or sold at each food establishment
or, for foreign food establishments selling food for consumption in the
United States, identifies the specific food categories of that food as
listed under section 170.3 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(D) not later than 30 days after a change in the products, function, or
legal status of the food establishment or foreign food establishment (including
cessation of business activities), notifies the Administrator of the change.
(3) PROCEDURE- Upon receipt of a completed registration described in paragraph
(1), the Administrator shall notify the registrant of the receipt of the
registration, designate each establishment as a category 1, 2, 3, 4, or
5 food establishment, and assign a registration number to each food establishment
and foreign food establishment.
(4) LIST- The Administrator shall compile and maintain an up-to-date list
of food establishments and foreign food establishments that are registered
under this section. The Administrator may establish regulations by which
such list may be shared with other governmental authorities.
(5) DISCLOSURE EXEMPTION- The disclosure requirements under section 552
of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to--
(A) the list compiled under paragraph (4); and
(B) information derived from the list under paragraph (4), to the extent
that it discloses the identity or location of a specific registered person.
(6) SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION-
(A) IN GENERAL- The Administrator may suspend the registration of a food
establishment or foreign food establishment, including the facility of
an importer, for violation of a food safety law.
(B) NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR HEARING- The Administrator shall provide
notice to a registrant immediately upon the suspension of the registration
of the facility and provide registrant with an opportunity for a hearing
within 3 days of the suspension.
(7) REINSTATEMENT- A registration that is suspended under this section may
be reinstated pursuant to criteria published in the Federal Register by
the Administrator.
SEC. 203. PREVENTATIVE PROCESS CONTROLS TO REDUCE ADULTERATION OF FOOD.
(a) In General- The Administrator shall, upon the basis of best available
public health, scientific, and technological data, promulgate regulations
to ensure that food establishments carry out their responsibilities to--
(1) process food in a sanitary manner so that it is free of dirt and filth;
(2) limit the presence of potentially harmful contaminants in food;
(3) implement appropriate measures of preventative process control to minimize
and reduce the presence and growth of contaminants in food and meet the
performance standards established under section 204;
(4) process all fully processed or ready-to-eat food in a sanitary manner,
using reasonably available techniques and technologies to eliminate any
potentially harmful contaminants; and
(5) label food intended for final processing outside commercial food establishments
with instructions for handling and preparation for consumption that will
destroy contaminants.
(b) Regulations- Not later than 1 year after the effective date of this Act,
the Administrator shall promulgate regulations that--
(1) require all food establishments to adopt preventative process controls
that are--
(A) adequate to protect the public health;
(B) meet relevant regulatory and food safety standards; and
(C) limit the presence and growth of contaminants in food prepared in
a food establishment;
(2) set standards for sanitation;
(3) meet any performance standards for contaminants established under section
204;
(4) require recordkeeping to monitor compliance;
(5) require sampling and testing at a frequency and in a manner sufficient
to ensure that process controls are effective on an ongoing basis and that
regulatory standards are being met; and
(6) provide for agency access to records kept by food establishments and
submission of copies of the records to the Administrator, as the Administrator
determines appropriate.
(c) Processing Controls- The Administrator may require any person with responsibility
for or control over food or food ingredients to adopt process controls, if
the process controls are needed to ensure the protection of the public health.
SEC. 204. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR CONTAMINANTS IN FOOD.
(a) In General- To protect the public health, the Administrator shall establish
by regulation and enforce performance standards that define, with respect
to specific food-borne contaminants and foods, the level of food safety performance
that a person responsible for producing, processing, or selling food shall
meet.
(b) Identification of Contaminants; Performance Standards-
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Administrator shall identify the food-borne contaminants and food
that contribute significantly to the risk of food-borne illness.
(2) PERFORMANCE STANDARDS- As soon as practicable after the identification
of the contaminants under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall establish
appropriate performance standards to protect against all food-borne contaminants.
(3) SIGNIFICANT CONTAMINANTS- The Administrator shall establish performance
standards for the 5 contaminants that contribute to the greatest number
of illnesses or deaths associated with raw meat, poultry, and seafood not
later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act. The Administrator
shall revise such standards not less often than every 3 years.
(c) Performance Standards-
(1) IN GENERAL- The performance standards established under this section
shall include--
(A) health-based standards that set the level of a contaminant that can
safely and lawfully be present in food;
(B) zero tolerances, including zero tolerances for fecal matter, in addition
to any zero-tolerance standards in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act, when necessary to protect against significant adverse
health outcomes;
(C) process standards, such as log reduction criteria for cooked products,
when sufficient to ensure the safety of processed food; and
(D) in the absence of data to support a performance standard described
in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C), standards that define required performance
in terms of `best reasonably achievable performance', using best available
technologies, interventions, and practices.
(2) BEST REASONABLY ACHIEVABLE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS- In developing best
reasonably achievable performance standards, the Administrator shall collect,
or contract for the collection of, data on current best practices and food
safety outcomes related to the contaminants and foods in question, as the
Administrator determines necessary.
(3) REVOCATION BY ADMINISTRATOR- All performance standards, tolerances,
action levels, or other similar standards in effect on the date of enactment
of this Act shall remain in effect until revised or revoked by the Administrator.
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the promulgation of a performance
standard under this section, the Administrator shall implement a statistically
significant sampling program to determine whether food establishments are
complying with the performance standards promulgated under this section.
The program established under this paragraph shall be at least as stringent
as the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System requirements established
under part 417 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulation).
(2) INSPECTIONS- If the Administrator determines that a food establishment
fails to meet a standard promulgated under this section, and such establishment
fails to take appropriate corrective action as determined by the Administrator,
the Administrator shall, as appropriate--
(A) detain, seize, or condemn food from the food establishment under section
402;
(B) order a recall of food from the food establishment under section 403;
(C) increase the inspection frequency for the food establishment;
(D) withdraw the mark of inspection from the food establishment, if in
use; or
(E) take other appropriate enforcement action concerning the food establishment,
including withdrawal of registration.
(e) Newly Identified Contaminants- Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section, the Administrator shall promulgate interim performance standards
for newly identified contaminants as necessary to protect the public health.
SEC. 205. INSPECTIONS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS.
(a) In General- The Administrator shall establish an inspection program, which
shall include sampling and testing of food and food establishments, to determine
if each food establishment--
(1) is operating in a sanitary manner;
(2) has continuous systems, interventions, and processes in place to minimize
or eliminate contaminants in food;
(3) is in compliance with applicable performance standards established under
section 203, and other regulatory requirements;
(4) is processing food that is safe and not adulterated or misbranded;
(5) maintains records of process control plans under section 203, and other
records related to the processing, sampling, and handling of food; and
(6) is in compliance with the requirements of the food safety law.
(b) Establishment Categories and Inspection Frequencies- The resource plan
required under section 209, including the description of resources required
to carry out inspections of food establishments, shall be based on the following
categories and inspection frequencies, subject to subsections (c), (d), and
(e):
(1) CATEGORY 1 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS- A category 1 food establishment shall
be subject to antemortem, postmortem, and continuous inspection of each
slaughter line during all operating hours, and other inspection on a daily
basis, sufficient to verify that--
(A) diseased animals are not offered for slaughter;
(B) the food establishment has successfully identified and removed from
the slaughter line visibly defective or contaminated carcasses, has avoided
cross-contamination, and destroyed or reprocessed them in a manner acceptable
to the Administrator; and
(C) that applicable performance standards and other provisions of the
food safety law, including those intended to eliminate or reduce pathogens,
have been satisfied.
(2) CATEGORY 2 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS- A category 2 food establishment shall
be randomly inspected at least daily.
(3) CATEGORY 3 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS- A category 3 food establishment shall--
(A) have ongoing verification that its processes are controlled; and
(B) be randomly inspected at least monthly.
(4) CATEGORY 4 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS- A category 4 food establishment shall
be randomly inspected at least quarterly.
(5) CATEGORY 5 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS- A category 5 food establishment shall
be randomly inspected at least annually.
(c) Establishment of Inspection Procedures- The Administrator shall establish
procedures under which inspectors or safety officers shall take random samples,
photographs, and copies of records in food establishments.
(d) Alternative Inspection Frequencies- With respect to a category 2, 3, 4,
or 5 food establishment, the Administrator may establish alternative increasing
or decreasing inspection frequencies for subcategories of food establishments
or individual establishments, to foster risk-based allocation of resources,
subject to the following criteria and procedures:
(1) Subcategories of food establishments and their alternative inspection
frequencies shall be defined by regulation, subject to paragraphs (2) and
(3).
(2) Regulations of alternative inspection frequencies for subcategories
of food establishments under paragraph (1) and for a specific food establishment
under paragraph (4) shall provide that--
(A) category 2 food establishments shall be inspected at least monthly;
and
(B) category 3, 4, and 5 food establishments shall be inspected at least
annually.
(3) In defining subcategories of food establishments and their alternative
inspection frequencies under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Administrator shall
consider--
(A) the nature of the food products being processed, stored, or transported;
(B) the manner in which food products are processed, stored, or transported;
(C) the inherent likelihood that the products will contribute to the risk
of food-borne illness;
(D) the best available evidence concerning reported illnesses associated
with the foods produced in the proposed subcategory of establishments;
and
(E) the overall record of compliance with the food safety law among establishments
in the proposed subcategory, including compliance with applicable performance
standards and the frequency of recalls.
(4) The Administrator may adopt alternative inspection frequencies for increased
or decreased inspection for a specific establishment, subject to paragraphs
(2) and (5) and shall periodically publish a list of establishments subject
to alternative inspections.
(5) In adopting alternative inspection frequencies for a specific establishment,
the Administrator shall consider--
(A) the criteria in paragraph (3);
(B) whether products from the specific establishment have been associated
with a case or an outbreak of food-borne illness; and
(C) the record of the establishment of compliance with the food safety
law, including compliance with applicable performance standards and the
frequency of recalls.
(6) Before establishing decreased alternative inspection frequencies for
subcategories of establishments or individual establishments, the Administrator
shall--
(A) determine, based on the best available evidence, that the alternative
uses of the resources required to carry out the inspection activity would
make a greater contribution to protecting the public health and reducing
the risk of food-borne illness than the use of resources described in
subsection (b);
(B) describe the alternative uses of resources in general terms when issuing
the regulation or order that establishes the alternative inspection frequency;
(C) consider the supporting evidence that an individual food establishment
shall submit related to whether an alternative inspection frequency should
be established for such establishment by the Administrator; and
(D) include a description of the alternative uses in the annual resource
plan required in section 209.
(e) Inspection Transition- The Administrator shall manage the transition to
the inspection system described in this Act as follows:
(1) In the case of a category 1 or 2 food establishment, the Administrator
shall continue to implement the applicable inspection mandates of the Federal
Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection
Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.), and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) until--
(A) regulations required to implement this section have been promulgated;
(B) the performance standards required by section 204(c) have been promulgated
and implemented for 1 year; and
(C) the establishment has achieved compliance with the other applicable
provisions of the food safety law.
(2) In the case of a category 1 or 2 food establishment that, within 2 years
after the promulgation of the performance standards required by section
204(c), has not achieved compliance with the food safety law, the Administrator
shall--
(A) issue an order prohibiting the establishment from operating pending
a demonstration by the establishment that sufficient changes in facilities,
procedures, personnel, or other aspects of the process control system
have been made such that the Administrator determines that compliance
with the food safety law is achieved; and
(B) following the demonstration required in subparagraph (A), issue an
order authorizing the food establishment to operate subject, at a minimum,
to--
(i) the inspection requirement applicable to the establishment under
subsection (b) (1) or (2); and
(ii) such other inspection or compliance measures determined by the
Administrator necessary to assure compliance with the applicable food
safety law.
(3) In the case of a category 3 food establishment, the Administrator shall
continue to implement the applicable inspection mandates of the Federal
Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection
Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.), and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) until--
(A) the regulations required to implement this section have been promulgated;
(B) the first resource plan under section 209 has been submitted; and
(C) for individual establishments, compliance with the food safety law
has been demonstrated.
(4) In the case of a category 3 food establishment that, within 1 year after
the promulgation of the regulations required to implement this section,
have not demonstrated compliance with the food safety law, the Administrator
shall--
(A) issue an order prohibiting the establishment from operating, pending
a demonstration by the establishment that sufficient changes in facilities,
procedures, personnel, or other aspects of the process control system
have been made such that the Administrator determines that compliance
with the food safety law is achieved; and
(B) following the demonstration required in subparagraph (A), issue an
order authorizing the establishment to operate subject, at a minimum,
to--
(i) the inspection requirement applicable to the establishment under
subsection (b)(3); and
(ii) such other inspection or compliance measures determined by the
Administrator necessary to assure compliance with the food safety law.
(5) In the case of a category 4 or 5 food establishment, the inspection
requirements of this Act shall be implemented as soon as possible after--
(A) the promulgation of the regulations required to implement this section;
(B) the publication of the first resource plan under section 209; and
(C) the commencement of the first fiscal year in which the Administration
is operating with budgetary resources that Congress has appropriated following
consideration of the resource plan under section 209.
(A) ESTABLISHMENT- Before the completion of the transition process under
paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (e), the Administrator shall
by regulation establish an official mark that shall be affixed to a food
product produced in a category 1, 2, or 3 establishment, subject to subparagraph
(B).
(B) PREREQUISITE- The official mark required under subparagraph (A) shall
be affixed to a food product by the Administrator if the establishment
has been inspected by the Administrator in accordance with the inspection
frequencies under this section and the establishment is in compliance
with the food safety law.
(C) REMOVAL OF OFFICIAL MARK- The Administrator shall promulgate regulations
that provide for the removal of the official mark under this subsection
if the Administrator makes a finding that the establishment is not in
compliance with the food safety law.
(2) CATEGORY 1, 2, OR 3 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS- In the case of products produced
in a category 1, 2, or 3 food establishment--
(A) products subject to Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.), the
Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.), and the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) as of the date of
enactment of this Act shall remain subject to the requirement under those
Acts that they bear the mark of inspection pending completion of the transition
process under paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (e);
(B) the Administrator shall publicly certify on a monthly basis that the
inspection frequencies required under this Act have been achieved; and
(C) a product from an establishment that has not been inspected in accordance
with the required frequencies under this section shall not bear the official
mark and shall not be shipped in interstate commerce.
(3) CATEGORY 4 AND 5 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS- In the case of a product produced
in a category 4 or 5 food establishment the Administrator shall provide
by regulation for the voluntary use of the official mark established under
paragraph (1), subject to--
(A) such minimum inspection frequencies as determined appropriate by the
Administrator;
(B) compliance with applicable performance standards and other provisions
of the food safety law; and
(C) such other requirements the Administrator considers appropriate.
(g) Implementation- Not later than 1 year after the effective date of this
Act, the Administrator shall issue regulations to implement subsections (b)
through (e).
(h) Maintenance and Inspection of Records-
(A) RECORDS- A food establishment shall--
(i) maintain such records as the Administrator shall require by regulation,
including all records relating to the processing, distributing, receipt,
or importation of any food; and
(ii) permit the Administrator, in addition to any authority of the food
safety agencies in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
this Act, upon presentation of appropriate credentials and at reasonable
times and in a reasonable manner, to have access to and copy all records
maintained by or on behalf of such food establishment representative
in any format (including paper or electronic) and at any location, that
are necessary to assist the Administrator--
(I) to determine whether the food is contaminated or not in compliance
with the food safety law; or
(II) to track the food in commerce.
(B) REQUIRED DISCLOSURE- A food establishment shall have an affirmative
obligation to disclose to the Administrator the results of testing or
sampling of food, equipment, or material in contact with food, that is
positive for any contaminant.
(2) MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS- The records in paragraph (1) shall be maintained
for a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Administrator.
(3) REQUIREMENTS- The records in paragraph (1) shall include records describing--
(A) the origin, receipt, delivery, sale, movement, holding, and disposition
of food or ingredients;
(B) the identity and quantity of ingredients used in the food;
(C) the processing of the food;
(D) the results of laboratory, sanitation, or other tests performed on
the food or in the food establishment;
(E) consumer complaints concerning the food or packaging of the food;
(F) the production codes, open date codes, and locations of food production;
and
(G) other matters reasonably related to whether food is unsafe, is adulterated
or misbranded, or otherwise fails to meet the requirements of this Act.
(i) Protection of Sensitive Information-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administrator shall develop and maintain procedures
to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any trade secret or confidential
information obtained by the Administrator.
(2) LIMITATION- The requirement under this subsection does not--
(A) limit the authority of the Administrator to inspect or copy records
or to require the establishment or maintenance of records under this Act;
(B) have any legal effect on section 1905 of title 18, United States Code;
(C) extend to any food recipe, financial data, pricing data, personnel
data, or sales data (other than shipment dates relating to sales);
(D) limit the public disclosure of distribution records or other records
related to food subject to a voluntary or mandatory recall under section
403; or
(E) limit the authority of the Administrator to promulgate regulations
to permit the sharing of data with other governmental authorities.
(j) Bribery of or Gifts to Inspector or Other Officers and Acceptance of Gifts-
Section 22 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 622) shall apply
under this Act.
SEC. 206. FOOD PRODUCTION FACILITIES.
In carrying out the duties of the Administrator and the purposes of this Act,
the Administrator shall have the authority, with respect to food production
facilities, to--
(1) visit and inspect food production facilities in the United States and
in foreign countries to investigate bioterrorism threats and for other critical
food safety purposes;
(2) review food safety records as required to be kept by the Administrator
to carry out traceback and for other critical food safety purposes;
(3) set good practice standards to protect the public and animal health
and promote food safety;
(4) conduct monitoring and surveillance of animals, plants, products, or
the environment, as appropriate; and
(5) collect and maintain information relevant to public health and farm
practices.
SEC. 207. FEDERAL AND STATE COOPERATION.
(a) In General- The Administrator shall work with the States to carry out
activities and programs that create a national food safety program so that
Federal and State programs function in a coordinated and cost-effective manner.
(b) State Action- The Administrator shall work with States to--
(1) continue, strengthen, or establish State food safety programs, especially
with respect to the regulation of retail commercial food establishments,
transportation, harvesting, and fresh markets;
(2) continue, strengthen, or establish inspection programs and requirements
to ensure that food under the jurisdiction of the State is safe; and
(3) support recall authorities at the State and local levels.
(c) Assistance- To assist in planning, developing, and implementing a food
safety program, the Administrator may provide and continue to a State--
(2) technical and laboratory assistance and training (including necessary
materials and equipment); and
(3) financial, in kind, and other aid.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administrator may, under agreements entered into with
Federal, State, or local agencies, use on a reimbursable basis or otherwise,
the personnel and services of those agencies in carrying out this Act.
(2) TRAINING- Agreements with a State under this subsection may provide
for training of State employees.
(3) MAINTENANCE OF AGREEMENTS- The Administrator shall maintain any agreement
that is in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act until
the Administrator evaluates such agreement and determines whether to maintain
or substitute such agreement.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administrator shall annually conduct a comprehensive
review of each State program that provides services to the Administrator
in carrying out the responsibilities under this Act, including mandated
inspections under section 205.
(2) REQUIREMENTS- The review shall--
(A) include a determination of the effectiveness of the State program;
and
(B) identify any changes necessary to ensure enforcement of Federal requirements
under this Act.
(f) No Federal Preemption- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt
the enforcement of State food safety laws and standards that are at least
as stringent as those under this Act.
SEC. 208. IMPORTS.
(a) In General- Not later than 2 years after the effective date of this Act,
the Administrator shall establish a system under which a foreign government
or foreign food establishment seeking to import food to the United States
shall submit a request for certification to the Administrator.
(b) Certification Standard- A foreign government or foreign food establishment
requesting a certification to import food to the United States shall demonstrate,
in a manner determined appropriate by the Administrator, that food produced
under the supervision of a foreign government or by the foreign food establishment
has met standards for food safety, inspection, labeling, and consumer protection
that are at least equivalent to standards applicable to food produced in the
United States.
(c) Certification Approval-
(1) REQUEST BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENT- Prior to granting the certification request
of a foreign government, the Administrator shall review, audit, and certify
the food safety program of a requesting foreign government (including all
statutes, regulations, and inspection authority) as at least equivalent
to the food safety program in the United States, as demonstrated by the
foreign government.
(2) REQUEST BY FOREIGN FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- Prior to granting the certification
request of a foreign food establishment, the Administrator shall certify,
based on an onsite inspection, the food safety programs and procedures of
a requesting foreign firm as at least equivalent to the food safety programs
and procedures of the United States.
(d) Limitation- A foreign government or foreign firm approved by the Administrator
to import food to the United States under this section shall be certified
to export only the approved food products to the United States for a period
not to exceed 5 years.
(e) Withdrawal of Certification- The Administrator may withdraw certification
of any food from a foreign government or foreign firm--
(1) if such food is linked to an outbreak of human illness;
(2) following an investigation by the Administrator that finds that the
foreign government programs and procedures or foreign food establishment
is no longer equivalent to the food safety programs and procedures in the
United States; or
(3) following a refusal to allow United States officials to conduct such
audits and investigations as may be necessary to fulfill the requirements
under this section.
(f) Renewal of Certification- The Administrator shall audit foreign governments
and foreign food establishments at least every 5 years to ensure the continued
compliance with the standards set forth in this section.
(g) Required Routine Inspection- The Administrator shall routinely inspect
food and food animals (via a physical examination) before it enters the United
States to ensure that it is--
(2) labeled as required for food produced in the United States; and
(3) otherwise meets requirements under the food safety law.
(h) Enforcement- The Administrator is authorized to--
(1) deny importation of food from any foreign government that does not permit
United States officials to enter the foreign country to conduct such audits
and inspections as may be necessary to fulfill the requirements under this
section;
(2) deny importation of food from any foreign government or foreign firm
that does not consent to an investigation by the Administration when food
from that foreign country or foreign firm is linked to a food-borne illness
outbreak or is otherwise found to be adulterated or mislabeled; and
(3) promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this section,
including setting terms and conditions for the destruction of products that
fail to meet the standards of this Act.
(i) Detention and Seizure- Any food imported for consumption in the United
States may be detained, seized, or condemned pursuant to section 402.
SEC. 209. RESOURCE PLAN.
(a) In General- The Administrator shall prepare and update annually a resource
plan describing the resources required, in the best professional judgment
of the Administrator, to develop and fully implement the national food safety
program established under this Act.
(b) Contents of Plan- The resource plan shall--
(1) describe quantitatively the personnel, financial, and other resources
required to carry out the inspection of food establishments under section
205 and other requirements of the national food safety program;
(2) allocate inspection resources in a manner reflecting the distribution
of risk and opportunities to reduce risk across the food supply to the extent
feasible based on the best available information, and subject to section
205; and
(3) describe the personnel, facilities, equipment, and other resources needed
to carry out inspection and other oversight activities, at a total resource
level equal to at least 50 percent of the resources required to carry out
inspections in food establishments under section 205--
(A) in foreign establishments;
(B) at the point of importation; and
(C) at the point of production on farms, ranches, and feedlots.
(c) Grants- The resource plan shall include recommendations for funding to
provide grants to States and local governments to carry out food safety activities
in retail and food service facilities and the required inspections in food
establishments.
(d) Submission of Plan- The Administrator shall submit annually to the Committee
on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives, and other relevant committees of Congress, the resource
plan required under this section.
SEC. 210. TRACEBACK.
(a) In General- The Administrator, in order to protect the public health,
shall establish requirements for a national system for tracing food and food
producing animals from point of origin to retail sale, subject to subsection
(b).
(b) Applicability- Traceability requirements shall--
(1) be established in accordance with regulations and guidelines issued
by the Administrator; and
(2) apply to food production facilities and food establishments.
(c) Relationship to Country of Origin Labeling- Nothing contained in this
section prevents or interferes with implementation of the country of origin
labeling requirements of subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946
(7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq.).
TITLE III--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
SEC. 301. PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT SYSTEM.
(a) In General- The Administrator, acting in coordination with the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and with the Research Education
and Economics mission area of the Department of Agriculture, shall--
(1) have access to the applicable data systems of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and to the databases made available by a State;
(2) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological
evidence submitted by States to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
based on a representative proportion of the population of the United States;
(3) assess the frequency and sources of human illness in the United States
associated with the consumption of food;
(4) maintain a state-of-the-art DNA matching system and epidemiological
system dedicated to food-borne illness identification, outbreaks, and containment;
and
(5) have access to the surveillance data created via monitoring and statistical
studies conducted as part of its own inspection.
(b) Public Health Sampling-
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the effective date of this Act,
the Administrator shall establish guidelines for a sampling system under
which the Administrator shall take and analyze samples of food--
(A) to assist the Administrator in carrying out this Act; and
(B) to assess the nature, frequency of occurrence, and quantities of contaminants
in food.
(2) REQUIREMENTS- The sampling system described in paragraph (1) shall provide--
(A) statistically valid monitoring, including market-based studies, on
the nature, frequency of occurrence, and quantities of contaminants in
food available to consumers; and
(B) at the request of the Administrator, such other information, including
analysis of monitoring and verification samples, as the Administrator
determines may be useful in assessing the occurrence of contaminants in
food.
(c) Assessment of Health Hazards-
(1) IN GENERAL- Through the surveillance system referred to in subsection
(a) and the sampling system described in subsection (b), the Administrator
shall--
(A) rank food categories based on the hazard to human health presented
by the food category;
(B) identify appropriate industry and regulatory approaches to minimize
hazards in the food supply; and
(C) assess the public health environment for emerging diseases, including
zoonosis, for their risk of appearance in the United States food supply.
(2) COMPONENTS OF ANALYSIS- The analysis under subsection (b)(1) may include--
(A) a comparison of the safety of commercial processing with the health
hazards associated with food that is harvested for recreational or subsistence
purposes and prepared noncommercially;
(B) a comparison of the safety of food that is domestically processed
with the health hazards associated with food that is processed outside
the United States;
(C) a description of contamination originating from handling practices
that occur prior to or after the sale of food to consumers; and
(D) use of comparative risk assessments.
SEC. 302. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND ADVISORY SYSTEM.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administrator, in cooperation with private and public
organizations, including the cooperative extension services and building
on the efforts of appropriate State and local entities, shall establish
a national public education program on food safety.
(2) REQUIREMENTS- The program shall provide--
(A) information to the public regarding Federal standards and best practices
and promotion of public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of those
standards and practices;
(B) information for health professionals--
(i) to improve diagnosis and treatment of food-related illness; and
(ii) to advise individuals at special risk for food-related illnesses;
and
(C) such other information or advice to consumers and other persons as
the Administrator determines will promote the purposes of this Act.
(b) Health Advisories- The Administrator, in consultation with other Federal
departments and agencies as the Administrator determines necessary, shall
work with the States and other appropriate entities--
(1) to develop and distribute regional and national advisories concerning
food safety;
(2) to develop standardized formats for written and broadcast advisories;
(3) to incorporate State and local advisories into the national public education
program established under subsection (a); and
(4) to present prompt, specific information regarding foods found to pose
a threat to the public health.
SEC. 303. RESEARCH.
(a) In General- The Administrator shall conduct research to carry out this
Act, including studies to--
(1) improve sanitation and food safety practices in the processing of food;
(2) develop improved techniques to monitor and inspect food;
(3) develop efficient, rapid, and sensitive methods to detect contaminants
in food;
(4) determine the sources of contamination of contaminated food;
(5) develop food consumption data;
(6) identify ways that animal production techniques could improve the safety
of the food supply;
(7) draw upon research and educational programs that exist at the State
and local level;
(8) utilize the DNA matching system and other processes to identify and
control pathogens;
(9) address common and emerging zoonotic diseases;
(10) develop methods to reduce or destroy harmful pathogens before, during,
and after processing;
(11) analyze the incidence of antibiotic resistence as it pertains to the
food supply and develop new methods to reduce the transfer of antibiotic
resistance to humans; and
(12) conduct other research that supports the purposes of this Act.
(b) Contract Authority- The Administrator may enter into contracts and agreements
with any State, university, Federal Government agency, or person to carry
out this section.
TITLE IV--ENFORCEMENT
SEC. 401. PROHIBITED ACTS.
(1) to manufacture, introduce, deliver for introduction, or receive into
interstate commerce any food that is adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise
unsafe;
(2) to adulterate or misbrand any food in interstate commerce;
(3) for a food establishment or foreign food establishment to fail to register
under section 202, or to operate without a valid registration;
(4) to refuse to permit access to a food establishment for the inspection
and copying of a record as required under section 205(h);
(5) to fail to establish or maintain any record or to make any report as
required under section 205(h);
(6) to refuse to permit entry to or inspection of a food establishment as
required under section 205;
(7) to fail to provide to the Administrator the results of a testing or
sampling of a food, equipment, or material in contact with contaminated
food under section 205(i);
(8) to fail to comply with a provision, regulation, or order of the Administrator
under section 202, 203, 204, or 208;
(9) to slaughter an animal that is capable for use in whole or in part as
human food at a food establishment processing any such food for commerce,
except in compliance with the food safety law;
(10) to transfer food in violation of an administrative detention order
under section 402 or to remove or alter a required mark or label identifying
the food as detained;
(11) to fail to comply with a recall or other order under section 403; or
(12) to otherwise violate the food safety law.
SEC. 402. FOOD DETENTION, SEIZURE, AND CONDEMNATION.
(a) Administrative Detention of Food-
(1) EXPANDED AUTHORITY- The Administrator shall have authority under section
304 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 334) to administratively
detain and seize any food that the Administrator has reason to believe is
unsafe, is adulterated or misbranded, or otherwise fails to meet the requirements
of the food safety law.
(2) DETENTION AUTHORITY- If, during an inspection conducted in accordance
with section 205 or 208, an officer, employee, or agent of the Administration
making the inspection has reason to believe that a domestic food, imported
food, or food offered for import is unsafe, is adulterated or misbranded,
or otherwise fails to meet the requirements of this Act, the officer or
employee may order the food detained.
(A) IN GENERAL- A food may be detained for a reasonable period, not to
exceed 20 days, unless a longer period, not to exceed 30 days, is necessary
for the Administrator to institute a seizure action.
(B) PERISHABLE FOOD- The Administrator shall provide by regulation for
procedures to institute a seizure action on an expedited basis with respect
to perishable food.
(4) SECURITY OF DETAINED FOOD-
(A) IN GENERAL- A detention order--
(i) may require that the food be labeled or marked as detained; and
(ii) shall require that the food be removed to a secure facility, if
appropriate.
(B) FOOD SUBJECT TO AN ORDER- A food subject to a detention order shall
not be transferred by any person from the place at which the food is removed,
until released by the Administrator or until the expiration of the detention
period applicable under the order, whichever occurs first.
(C) DELIVERY OF FOOD- This subsection does not authorize the delivery
of a food in accordance with execution of a bond while the article is
subject to the order.
(b) Appeal of Detention Order-
(1) IN GENERAL- A person who would be entitled to be a claimant for a food
subject to a detention order if the food were seized under section 304 of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 334), may appeal the
order to the Administrator.
(2) ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATOR- Not later than 5 days after an appeal is
filed under paragraph (1), the Administrator, after providing an opportunity
for an informal hearing, shall confirm, modify, or terminate the order involved.
(3) FINAL AGENCY ACTION- Confirmation, modification, or termination by the
Administrator under paragraph (2) shall be considered a final agency action
for purposes of section 702 of title 5, United States Code.
(4) TERMINATION- The order shall be considered to be terminated if, after
5 days, the Administrator has failed--
(A) to provide an opportunity for an informal hearing; or
(B) to confirm, modify, or terminate the order.
(5) EFFECT OF INSTITUTING COURT ACTION- If the Administrator initiates an
action under section 302 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
U.S.C. 332) or section 304(a) of that Act (21 U.S.C. 334(a)), the process
for the appeal of the detention order shall terminate.
(c) Condemnation of Food-
(1) IN GENERAL- After confirming a detention order, the Administrator may
order the food condemned.
(2) DESTRUCTION OF FOOD- Any food condemned shall be destroyed under the
supervision of the Administrator.
(3) RELEASE OF FOOD- If the Administrator determines that, through reprocessing,
relabeling, or other action, a detained food can be brought into compliance
with this Act, the food may be released following a determination by the
Administrator that the relabeling or other action as specified by the Administrator
has been performed.
(d) Temporary Holds at Ports of Entry-
(1) IN GENERAL- If an officer or qualified employee of the Administration
has reason to believe that a food is unsafe, is adulterated or misbranded,
or otherwise fails to meet the requirements of this Act, and the officer
or qualified employee is unable to inspect, examine, or investigate the
food when the food is offered for import at a port of entry into the United
States, the officer or qualified employee shall request the Secretary of
Homeland Security to hold the food at the port of entry for a reasonable
period of time, not to exceed 24 hours, to enable the Administrator to inspect
or investigate the food as appropriate.
(2) REMOVAL TO SECURE FACILITY- The Administrator shall work in coordination
with the Secretary of Homeland Security to remove a food held in accordance
with paragraph (1) to a secure facility as appropriate.
(3) PROHIBITION ON TRANSFER- During the period in which the food is held,
the food shall not be transferred by any person from the port of entry into
the United States, or from the secure facility to which the food has been
removed.
(4) DELIVERY IN ACCORDANCE WITH A BOND- The delivery of the food in accordance
with the execution of a bond while the food is held is not authorized.
(5) PROHIBITION ON REEXPORT- A food found unfit for human or animal consumption
shall be prohibited from reexport without further processing to remove the
contamination and reinspection by the Administration.
SEC. 403. NOTIFICATION AND RECALL.
(a) Notice to Administrator of Violation-
(1) IN GENERAL- A person that has reason to believe that any food introduced
into or in interstate commerce, or held for sale (whether or not the first
sale) after shipment in interstate commerce, may be in violation of the
food safety law shall immediately notify the Administrator of the identity
and location of the food.
(2) MANNER OF NOTIFICATION- Notification under paragraph (1) shall be made
in such manner and by such means as the Administrator may require by regulation.
(b) Recall and Consumer Notification-
(1) VOLUNTARY ACTIONS- If the Administrator determines that food is in violation
of the food safety law when introduced into or while in interstate commerce
or while held for sale (whether or not the first sale) after shipment in
interstate commerce and that there is a reasonable probability that the
food, if consumed, would present a threat to public health, as determined
by the Administrator, the Administrator shall give the appropriate persons
(including the manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers of the
food) an opportunity to--
(A) cease distribution of the food;
(i) processing, distributing, or otherwise handling the food to immediately
cease such activities with respect to the food; or
(ii) to which the food has been distributed, transported, or sold, to
immediately cease distribution of the food;
(D) in conjunction with the Administrator, provide notice of the finding
of the Administrator--
(i) to consumers to whom the food was, or may have been, distributed;
and
(ii) to State and local public health officials; or
(E) take any combination of the measures described in this paragraph,
as determined by the Administrator to be appropriate in the circumstances.
(2) MANDATORY ACTIONS- If a person referred to in paragraph (1) refuses
to or does not adequately carry out the actions described in that paragraph
within the time period and in the manner prescribed by the Administrator,
the Administrator shall--
(A) have authority to control and possess the food, including ordering
the shipment of the food from the food establishment to the Administrator--
(i) at the expense of the food establishment; or
(ii) in an emergency (as determined by the Administrator), at the expense
of the Administration; and
(B) by order, require, as the Administrator determines to be necessary,
the person to immediately--
(i) cease distribution of the food; and
(ii) notify all persons--
(I) processing, distributing, or otherwise handling the food to immediately
cease such activities with respect to the food; or
(II) if the food has been distributed, transported, or sold, to immediately
cease distribution of the food.
(3) NOTIFICATION TO CONSUMERS BY ADMINISTRATOR- The Administrator shall,
as the Administrator determines to be necessary, provide notice of the finding
of the Administrator under paragraph (1)--
(A) to consumers to whom the food was, or may have been, distributed;
and
(B) to State and local public health officials.
(4) NONDISTRIBUTION BY NOTIFIED PERSONS- A person that processes, distributes,
or otherwise handles the food, or to which the food has been distributed,
transported, or sold, and that is notified under paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(B)
shall immediately cease distribution of the food.
(5) AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS TO ADMINISTRATOR- Each person referred to in
paragraph (1) that processed, distributed, or otherwise handled food shall
make available to the Administrator information necessary to carry out this
subsection, as determined by the Administrator, regarding--
(A) persons that processed, distributed, or otherwise handled the food;
and
(B) persons to which the food has been transported, sold, distributed,
or otherwise handled.
(c) Informal Hearings on Orders-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administrator shall provide any person subject to an
order under subsection (b) with an opportunity for an informal hearing,
to be held as soon as practicable but not later than 2 business days after
the issuance of the order.
(2) SCOPE OF THE HEARING- In a hearing under paragraph (1), the Administrator
shall consider the actions required by the order and any reasons why the
food that is the subject of the order should not be recalled.
(d) Post-Hearing Recall Orders-
(1) AMENDMENT OF ORDER- If, after providing an opportunity for an informal
hearing under subsection (c), the Administrator determines that there is
a reasonable probability that the food that is the subject of an order under
subsection (b), if consumed, would present a threat to the public health,
the Administrator, as the Administrator determines to be necessary, may--
(A) amend the order to require recall of the food or other appropriate
action;
(B) specify a timetable in which the recall shall occur;
(C) require periodic reports to the Administrator describing the progress
of the recall; and
(D) provide notice of the recall to consumers to whom the food was, or
may have been, distributed.
(2) VACATION OF ORDERS- If, after providing an opportunity for an informal
hearing under subsection (c), the Administrator determines that adequate
grounds do not exist to continue the actions required by the order, the
Administrator shall vacate the order.
(e) Remedies not Exclusive- The remedies provided in this section shall be
in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available.
SEC. 404. INJUNCTION PROCEEDINGS.
(a) Jurisdiction- The district courts of the United States, and the United
States courts of the territories and possessions of the United States, shall
have jurisdiction, for cause shown, to restrain a violation of section 202,
203, 204, 207, or 401 (or a regulation promulgated under that section).
(b) Trial- In a case in which violation of an injunction or restraining order
issued under this section also constitutes a violation of the food safety
law, trial shall be by the court or, upon demand of the accused, by a jury.
SEC. 405. CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
(A) IN GENERAL- Any person that commits an act that violates the food
safety law (including a regulation promulgated or order issued under a
Federal food safety law) may be assessed a civil penalty by the Administrator
of not more than $10,000 for each such act.
(B) SEPARATE OFFENSE- Each act described in subparagraph (A) and each
day during which that act continues shall be considered a separate offense.
(A) WRITTEN ORDER- The civil penalty described in paragraph (1) shall
be assessed by the Administrator by a written order, which shall specify
the amount of the penalty and the basis for the penalty under subparagraph
(B) considered by the Administrator.
(B) AMOUNT OF PENALTY- Subject to paragraph (1)(A), the amount of the
civil penalty shall be determined by the Administrator, after considering--
(i) the gravity of the violation;
(ii) the degree of culpability of the person;
(iii) the size and type of the business of the person; and
(iv) any history of prior offenses by the person under the food safety
law.
(C) REVIEW OF ORDER- The order may be reviewed only in accordance with
subsection (c).
(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), a person that
knowingly produces or introduces into commerce food that is unsafe or otherwise
adulterated or misbranded shall be imprisoned for not more than 1 year or
fined not more than $10,000, or both.
(2) SEVERE VIOLATIONS- A person that commits a violation described in paragraph
(1) after a conviction of that person under this section has become final,
or commits such a violation with the intent to defraud or mislead, shall
be imprisoned for not more than 3 years or fined not more than $100,000,
or both.
(3) EXCEPTION- No person shall be subject to the penalties of this subsection--
(A) for having received, proffered, or delivered in interstate commerce
any food, if the receipt, proffer, or delivery was made in good faith,
unless that person refuses to furnish (on request of an officer or employee
designated by the Administrator)--
(i) the name, address and contact information of the person from whom
that person purchased or received the food;
(ii) copies of all documents relating to the person from whom that person
purchased or received the food; and
(iii) copies of all documents pertaining to the delivery of the food
to that person; or
(B) if that person establishes a guaranty signed by, and containing the
name and address of, the person from whom that person received in good
faith the food, stating that the food is not adulterated or misbranded
within the meaning of this Act.
(1) IN GENERAL- An order assessing a civil penalty under subsection (a)
shall be a final order unless the person--
(A) not later than 30 days after the effective date of the order, files
a petition for judicial review of the order in the United States court
of appeals for the circuit in which that person resides or has its principal
place of business or the United States Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia; and
(B) simultaneously serves a copy of the petition by certified mail to
the Administrator.
(2) FILING OF RECORD- Not later than 45 days after the service of a copy
of the petition under paragraph (1)(B), the Administrator shall file in
the court a certified copy of the administrative record upon which the order
was issued.
(3) STANDARD OF REVIEW- The findings of the Administrator relating to the
order shall be set aside only if found to be unsupported by substantial
evidence on the record as a whole.
(d) Collection Actions for Failure to Pay-
(1) IN GENERAL- If any person fails to pay a civil penalty assessed under
subsection (a) after the order assessing the penalty has become a final
order, or after the court of appeals described in subsection (b) has entered
final judgment in favor of the Administrator, the Administrator shall refer
the matter to the Attorney General, who shall institute in a United States
district court of competent jurisdiction a civil action to recover the amount
assessed.
(2) LIMITATION ON REVIEW- In a civil action under paragraph (1), the validity
and appropriateness of the order of the Administrator assessing the civil
penalty shall not be subject to judicial review.
(e) Penalties Paid Into Account- The Administrator--
(1) shall deposit penalties collected under this section in an account in
the Treasury; and
(2) may use the funds in the account, without further appropriation or fiscal
year limitation--
(A) to carry out enforcement activities under food safety law; or
(B) to provide assistance to States to inspect retail commercial food
establishments or other food or firms under the jurisdiction of State
food safety programs.
(f) Discretion of the Administrator to Prosecute- Nothing in this Act requires
the Administrator to report for prosecution, or for the commencement of an
action, the violation of the food safety law in a case in which the Administrator
finds that the public interest will be adequately served by the assessment
of a civil penalty under this section.
(g) Remedies not Exclusive- The remedies provided in this section may be in
addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available.
SEC. 406. PRESUMPTION.
In any action to enforce the requirements of the food safety law, the connection
with interstate commerce required for jurisdiction shall be presumed to exist.
SEC. 407. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION.
(a) In General- No Federal employee, employee of a Federal contractor or subcontractor,
or any individual employed by a company (referred to in this section as a
`covered individual'), may be discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened,
harassed, or in any other manner discriminated against, because of any lawful
act done by the covered individual to--
(1) provide information, cause information to be provided, or otherwise
assist in an investigation regarding any conduct that the covered individual
reasonably believes constitutes a violation of any law, rule, or regulation,
or that the covered individual reasonably believes constitutes a threat
to the public health, when the information or assistance is provided to,
or the investigation is conducted by--
(A) a Federal regulatory or law enforcement agency;
(B) a Member or committee of Congress; or
(C) a person with supervisory authority over the covered individual (or
such other individual who has the authority to investigate, discover,
or terminate misconduct);
(2) file, cause to be filed, testify, participate in, or otherwise assist
in a proceeding or action filed or about to be filed relating to a violation
of any law, rule, or regulation; or
(3) refused to violate or assist in the violation of any law, rule, or regulation.
(1) IN GENERAL- A covered individual who alleges discharge or other discrimination
by any person in violation of subsection (a) may seek relief under subsection
(c) by filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor. If the Secretary
of Labor has not issued a final decision within 180 days after the date
on which the complaint is filed and there is no showing that such delay
is due to the bad faith of the claimant, the claimant may bring an action
at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of
the United States, which shall have jurisdiction over such an action without
regard to the amount in controversy.
(A) IN GENERAL- An action under paragraph (1) shall be governed under
the rules and procedures set forth in section 42121(b) of title 49, United
States Code.
(B) EXCEPTION- Notification under section 42121(b)(1) of title 49, United
States Code, shall be made to the person named in the complaint and to
the person's employer.
(C) BURDENS OF PROOF- An action brought under paragraph (1) shall be governed
by the legal burdens of proof set for in section 42121(b) of title 49,
United States Code.
(D) STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS- An action under paragraph (1) shall be commenced
not later than 90 days after the date on which the violation occurs.
(1) IN GENERAL- A covered individual prevailing in any action under subsection
(b)(1) shall be entitled to all relief necessary to make the covered individual
whole.
(2) COMPENSATORY DAMAGES- Relief for any action described in paragraph (1)
shall include--
(A) reinstatement with the same seniority status that the covered individual
would have had, but for the discrimination;
(B) the amount of any back pay, with interest; and
(C) compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the
discrimination, including litigation costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable
attorney's fees.
(d) Rights Retained by the Covered Individual- Nothing in this section shall
be construed to diminish the rights, privileges, or remedies of any covered
individual under any Federal or State law, or under any collective bargaining
agreement.
SEC. 408. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT.
(a) In General- For the efficient administration and enforcement of the food
safety law, the provisions (including provisions relating to penalties) of
sections 6, 8, 9, and 10 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 46,
48, 49, and 50) (except subsections (c) through (h) of section 6 of that Act),
relating to the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the Federal Trade Commission
and the Attorney General to administer and enforce that Act, and to the rights
and duties of persons with respect to whom the powers are exercised, shall
apply to the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the Administrator and the
Attorney General in administering and enforcing the provisions of the food
safety law and to the rights and duties of persons with respect to whom the
powers are exercised, respectively.
(b) Inquiries and Actions-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administrator, in person or by such agents as the Administrator
may designate, may prosecute any inquiry necessary to carry out the duties
of the Administrator under the food safety law in any part of the United
States.
(2) POWERS- The powers conferred by sections 9 and 10 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 49 and 50) on the United States district courts
may be exercised for the purposes of this chapter by any United States district
court of competent jurisdiction.
SEC. 409. CITIZEN CIVIL ACTIONS.
(a) Civil Actions- A person may commence a civil action against--
(1) a person that violates a regulation (including a regulation establishing
a performance standard), order, or other action of the Administrator to
ensure the safety of food; or
(2) the Administrator (in his or her capacity as the Administrator), if
the Administrator fails to perform an act or duty to ensure the safety of
food that is not discretionary under the food safety law.
(1) IN GENERAL- The action shall be commenced in the United States district
court for the district in which the defendant resides, is found, or has
an agent.
(2) JURISDICTION- The court shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the
amount in controversy, or the citizenship of the parties, to enforce a regulation
(including a regulation establishing a performance standard), order, or
other action of the Administrator, or to order the Administrator to perform
the act or duty.
(3) DAMAGES- The court may--
(A) award damages, in the amount of damages actually sustained; and
(B) if the court determines it to be in the interest of justice, award
the plaintiff the costs of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees,
reasonable expert witness fees, and penalties.
(c) Remedies not Exclusive- The remedies provided for in this section shall
be in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available.
TITLE V--IMPLEMENTATION
SEC. 501. DEFINITION.
For purposes of this title, the term `transition period' means the 12-month
period beginning on the effective date of this Act.
SEC. 502. REORGANIZATION PLAN.
(a) Submission of Plan- Not later than 180 days after the effective date of
this Act, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees
a reorganization plan regarding the following:
(1) The transfer of agencies, personnel, assets, and obligations to the
Administration pursuant to this Act.
(2) Any consolidation, reorganization, or streamlining of agencies transferred
to the Administration pursuant to this Act.
(b) Plan Elements- The plan transmitted under subsection (a) shall contain,
consistent with this Act, such elements as the President determines appropriate,
including the following:
(1) Identification of any functions of agencies designated to be transferred
to the Administration pursuant to this Act that will not be transferred
to the Administration under the plan.
(2) Specification of the steps to be taken by the Administrator to organize
the Administration, including the delegation or assignment of functions
transferred to the Administration among the officers of the Administration
in order to permit the Administration to carry out the functions transferred
under the plan.
(3) Specification of the funds available to each agency that will be transferred
to the Administration as a result of transfers under the plan.
(4) Specification of the proposed allocations within the Administration
of unexpended funds transferred in connection with transfers under the plan.
(5) Specification of any proposed disposition of property, facilities, contracts,
records, and other assets and obligations of agencies transferred under
the plan.
(6) Specification of the proposed allocations within the Administration
of the functions of the agencies and subdivisions that are not related directly
to ensuring the safety of food.
(c) Modification of Plan- The President may, on the basis of consultations
with the appropriate congressional committees, modify, or revise any part
of the plan until that part of the plan becomes effective in accordance with
subsection (d).
(1) IN GENERAL- The reorganization plan described in this section, including
any modifications or revisions of the plan under subsection (c), shall become
effective for an agency on the earlier of--
(A) the date specified in the plan (or the plan as modified pursuant to
subsection (c)), except that such date may not be earlier than 90 days
after the date the President has transmitted the reorganization plan to
the appropriate congressional committees pursuant to subsection (a); or
(B) the end of the transition period.
(2) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this subsection may be construed
to require the transfer of functions, personnel, records, balances of appropriations,
or other assets of an agency on a single date.
(3) SUPERCEDES EXISTING LAW- Paragraph (1) shall apply notwithstanding section
905(b) of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 503. TRANSITIONAL AUTHORITIES.
(a) Provision of Assistance by Officials- Until the transfer of an agency
to the Administration, any official having authority over or function relating
to the agency immediately before the effective date of this Act shall provide
the Administrator such assistance, including the use of personnel and assets,
as the Administrator may request in preparing for the transfer and integration
of the agency to the Administration.
(b) Services and Personnel- During the transition period, upon the request
of the Administrator, the head of any executive agency may, on a reimbursable
basis, provide services or detail personnel to assist with the transition.
(1) IN GENERAL- During the transition period, pending the advice and consent
of the Senate to the appointment of an officer required by this Act to be
appointed by and with such advice and consent, the President may designate
any officer whose appointment was required to be made by and with such advice
and consent and who was such an officer immediately before the effective
date of this Act (and who continues to be in office) or immediately before
such designation, to act in such office until the same is filled as provided
in this Act.
(2) COMPENSATION- While acting pursuant to paragraph (1), such officers
shall receive compensation at the higher of--
(A) the rates provided by this Act for the respective offices in which
they act; or
(B) the rates provided for the offices held at the time of designation.
(3) LIMITATION- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the advice
and consent of the Senate to the appointment by the President to a position
in the Administration of any officer whose agency is transferred to the
Administration pursuant to this Act and whose duties following such transfer
are germane to those performed before such transfer.
(d) Transfer of Personnel, Assets, Obligations, and Function-
(1) IN GENERAL- Consistent with section 1531 of title 31, United States
Code, the personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records,
and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations,
and other funds that relate to the functions transferred under subsection
(a) from a Federal agency shall be transferred to the Administration.
(2) UNEXPENDED FUNDS- Unexpended funds transferred under this subsection
shall be used by the Administration only for the purposes for which the
funds were originally authorized and appropriated.
SEC. 504. SAVINGS PROVISIONS.
(a) Completed Administrative Actions- The enactment of this Act or the transfer
of functions under this Act shall not affect any order, determination, rule,
regulation, permit, personnel action, agreement, grant, contract, certificate,
license, registration, privilege, or other administrative action issued, made,
granted, or otherwise in effect or final with respect to that agency on the
day before the transfer date with respect to the transferred functions
(b) Pending Proceedings- Subject to the authority of the Administrator under
this Act--
(1) pending proceedings in an agency, including notices of proposed rulemaking,
and applications for licenses, permits, certificates, grants, and financial
assistance, shall continue notwithstanding the enactment of this Act or
the transfer of the agency to the Administration, unless discontinued or
modified under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that
such discontinuance could have occurred if such enactment or transfer had
not occurred; and
(2) orders issued in such proceedings, and appeals therefrom, and payments
made pursuant to such orders, shall issue in the same manner on the same
terms as if this Act had not been enacted or the agency had not been transferred,
and any such order shall continue in effect until amended, modified, superceded,
terminated, set aside, or revoked by an officer of the United States or
a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
(c) Pending Civil Actions- Subject to the authority of the Administrator under
this Act, any civil action commenced with regard to that agency pending before
that agency on the day before the transfer date with respect to the transferred
functions shall continue notwithstanding the enactment of this Act or the
transfer of an agency to the Administration.
(1) IN GENERAL- After the transfer of functions from a Federal agency under
this Act, any reference in any other Federal law, Executive order, rule,
regulation, directive, document, or other material to that Federal agency
or the head of that agency in connection with the administration or enforcement
of the food safety laws shall be deemed to be a reference to the Administration
or the Administrator, respectively.
(2) STATUTORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS- Statutory reporting requirements that
applied in relation to such an agency immediately before the effective date
of this Act shall continue to apply following such transfer if they refer
to the agency by name.
SEC. 505. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Executive Schedule- Section 5313 of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by inserting at the end the following new item:
`Administrator of Food Safety.'.
(b) Repeal of Certain Provisions- Section 18 of the Poultry Products Inspection
Act (21 U.S.C. 467), section 401 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.
671), and section 18 of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1047) are
repealed.
SEC. 506. ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
Not later than 60 days after the submission of the reorganization plan under
section 502, the President shall prepare and submit proposed legislation to
Congress containing necessary and appropriate technical and conforming amendments
to the Acts listed in section 3(15) of this Act to reflect the changes made
by this Act.
SEC. 507. REGULATIONS.
The Administrator may promulgate such regulations as the Administrator determines
are necessary or appropriate to perform the duties of the Administrator.
SEC. 508. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry
out this Act.
SEC. 509. LIMITATION ON AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
For the fiscal year that includes the effective date of this Act, the amount
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act shall not exceed--
(1) the amount appropriated for that fiscal year for the Federal agencies
identified in section 102(b) for the purpose of administering or enforcing
the food safety law; or
(2) the amount appropriated for those agencies for that purpose for the
preceding fiscal year, if, as of the effective date of this Act, appropriations
for those agencies for the fiscal year that includes the effective date
have not yet been made.
SEC. 510. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act takes effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
END