1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The FDA's proposed plans to end most routine food safety inspections and outsource this critical work to state and local authorities raise significant concerns. Ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply is a core responsibility of the federal government that should not be compromised. Outsourcing routine inspections could lead to inconsistent standards, lack of oversight, and increased risks of foodborne illnesses. While states may be able to conduct some inspections at a lower cost, food safety should not be compromised for budgetary reasons. The consequences of contaminated food products can be severe, resulting in widespread illness, hospitalizations, and even loss of life. Additionally, the lack of federal inspections could erode public trust in the safety of our food supply, impacting consumer confidence and the food industry. Congress must take immediate action to prevent these proposed changes from being implemented. Cutting routine food safety inspections is an unacceptable risk that puts the health and well-being of all Americans at stake. The FDA's resources and workforce should be bolstered, not diminished, to ensure they can effectively fulfill their critical role in protecting the nation's food supply.