AVMA: Food safety system vulnerable

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — The most recent E. coli outbreak in spinach reaffirms the vulnerability of our food safety system, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The association sent kudos to Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) for his ongoing attention to the safety of the nation's food supply.

In remarks from the Senate floor in Washington, Durbin responded to the national E. coli outbreak, and the first diagnosed case in Illinois, by saying that greater attention needs to be paid to food safety in the United States.

"This mish-mash, piecemeal approach to food safety could spell disaster if we don't act decisively and wisely," Durbin said.

AVMA couldn't agree more.

"Veterinarians play a vital role in protecting public health by providing services throughout the food chain," says Dr. Lyle Vogel, director of the AVMA's Animal Welfare Division. "In addition, veterinarians inspect food products to ensure their quality and safety. The AVMA and its member veterinarians stress that the broader scope of food safety — both in animal products and produce — is a universal concern that will continue to grow in importance as more food-borne and zoonotic diseases affect public health."