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Each year, roughly 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne diseases, 128,000 people are hospitalized and 3,000 die from related complications. Since President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act in 1906, federal policy has provided basic safeguards in America's food system. But decades-old laws and regulations have left gaps in oversight that continue to widen given the diversity of foods and producers that are now part of the system. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011 significantly updates and improves many of these safeguards, but it does not set clear inspection priorities or standards for engaging federal, state and local partners.
- The nation’s patchwork food safety system is outdated and does not adequately ensure the safety of the food supply.
- The 2011 Food Safety and Modernization Act provides important upgrades to this surveillance system, but does not fill all the gaps—leaving Americans at risk.
- Federal leadership is needed to help set strategic priorities and engage partners at all levels in building a coherent, integrated system, one that will truly keep the nation safe from foodborne illness.
Health Policy Snapshot
Two-page briefs providing insight and analysis on key issues affecting health and health care in the United States.
View all2011 Food Safety and Modernization Act updates many safeguards, but does not fill in all gaps in system