“Federal Food Safety Oversight: Does the Fragmented Structure Really Make Sense.”

The purpose of this hearing is to examine the current structure of federal food safety oversight to determine whether it can adequately protect the American public from possible food hazards.  Following the events of September 11th, we are even more keenly focused on how varied aspects of America’s homeland security, including our nation’s food supply, may be vulnerable to attack.  This hearing will explore vulnerabilities that exist and will examine the capability of the federal food safety system to prevent hazards from reaching the public.  It will also address how a single food safety agency could better address ongoing and emerging threats.