Thank you for taking the time to share with me your concerns about food safety legislation, specifically S. 510.

I have heard from a number of Hoosiers concerned that this bill would regulate or prevent home gardening, sales of locally grown foods at farmers markets, or regulate small farmers. The legislation considered and passed unanimously by the United States Senate does not provide the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the authority to do any of these activities.

As both a Hoosier farmer and United States Senator, I believe that food safety is a critical issue. For roughly a century there have been federal food safety regulations in place. However, as evidenced by a number of food recalls based on food borne illness concerns, it is important that our food safety systems keep pace with ever more complex food production and increased imports.

It is also important that food safety proposals are not overly burdensome to individuals and do not restrict trade and food donation, or interfere with practices such as growing your own food. I will carefully follow implementation of this law. Thank you, again, for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

Richard G. Lugar
United States Senator