Senate will consider bill to give FDA power to prevent foodborne illness after Nov. elections

Senate to take up food safety bill after elections

WASHINGTON — The Senate will consider a food safety bill after the November elections that would give the Food and Drug Administration more power to prevent foodborne illness.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., laid the groundwork late Wednesday for a vote to end debate on the bill when Congress returns after the Nov. 2 elections. The procedural maneuver requires 60 votes and is a way to circumvent one senator’s objections. Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma has blocked the legislation, saying it adds to the deficit.

The bill would give the agency more power to recall tainted products, increase inspections of food processors and require producers to follow stricter standards for keeping food safe.

The legislation passed the House last year.