"There are good people and good science at the FDA," DeLauro said. "They have not been able to do their jobs and carry out the mission. We need an agency that's fully committed to actively preventing food-borne illness, not just reacting to it."
major recalls
January 2009 (peanuts): Salmonella fears trigger the recall of more than 1,900 products made by Peanut Corp. of America in Georgia and Texas. More than 630 illnesses and at least nine deaths so far have been reported.
June 2008 (tomatoes, jalapeno peppers): More than $100 million worth of the Mexico-grown crops are recalled because of salmonella contamination. More than 1,200 illnesses - but no deaths - are reported.
February 2008 (beef): More than 143 million pounds from a California slaughterhouse is recalled after concerns arise that so-called "downer" cattle illegally entered the food chain. No illnesses or deaths are reported.
September 2006 (spinach): E. coli contamination in California sparks a recall that affects more than $86 million in crops. More than 200 illnesses and three deaths are reported.
Source: Associated Press
