California

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7/9/07-SB200 was held in the Senate Health Committee. It can be brought back for consideration when lawmakers convene the 2008 regular session.

6/14/07-The Senate voted 23-15 to approve a bill that would allow the Department of Health Services to recall or destroy produce that could pose a threat to the public. It's been forwarded to the Assembly for further consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, SB200 also would create an inspection program to address the threat of outbreaks. DHS inspectors would have the authority to conduct periodic on-farm inspections, including testing of water, soil and produce.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Assembly. For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

4/20/07-The Senate Agriculture and Health committees approved a bill that is part of a legislative package that would impose mandatory food-safety regulations on the state's lettuce and spinach growers.
Sponsored by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, SB200 would allow the California Department of Health Services to adopt recall, and sanitary regulations necessary to prevent, or eliminate conditions where produce or food processed from produce may carry an illness, infection, pathogen, contagion, toxin or condition that could kill or seriously affect the health of humans.
Violators could face up to $25,000 fines.
The bill also would establish an inspection program for leafy green vegetables under the DHS to conduct field inspections of compliance with food safety requirements and conduct field water, soil, and produce tests.
The bill is headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
For Senate bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

2/2/07-A bill in the Senate Agriculture and Health committees is part of a legislative package that would impose mandatory food-safety regulations on the state's lettuce and spinach growers.
Sponsored by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, SB200 would allow the California Department of Health Services to adopt recall, quarantine and sanitary regulations necessary to prevent, or eliminate conditions where produce or food processed from produce may carry an illness, infection, pathogen, contagion, toxin or condition that could kill or seriously affect the health of humans.
The bill would restrict movement of produce or food processed from produce in and out of a quarantine area unless authorized by DHS. It also would allow the department to destroy all produce or property within a quarantine area that may be affected by the disease or infestation quarantined.
Violators could face up to $25,000 fines.
The bill also would allow the state and federal governments to reimburse owners who had produce or property destroyed under the direction of a quarantine. In addition, it would establish an inspection program for leafy green vegetables under the DHS to conduct field inspections of compliance with food safety requirements and conduct field water, soil, and produce tests.
For Senate bill status, call (916) 651-4120.