1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned Alabama resident to urge decisive action to strengthen food safety protections and prevent foodborne illness before it reaches American families. Recent outbreaks have once again shown that our current system is failing to adequately protect the public. Foodborne illnesses are not minor inconveniences. They sicken hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, hospitalize many, and take lives. Survivors—especially children and older adults—can suffer lifelong consequences, including kidney failure, brain damage, and other permanent disabilities that alter the course of their lives and place lasting burdens on families and the healthcare system. A critical failure point is the lack of meaningful intervention at the farm level, before animals ever reach the slaughterhouse. Pathogens such as dangerous strains of Salmonella often originate in crowded animal production systems, where contamination spreads easily and is then carried throughout the food supply. By the time meat reaches processing facilities, contamination is already widespread, making downstream controls far less effective. Preventing illness must begin at the source. Another serious concern is the runoff of animal waste into waterways used for crop irrigation. This allows harmful pathogens to contaminate fruits and vegetables that are frequently consumed raw, creating an entirely preventable route of exposure. Stronger safeguards and accountability measures are needed to stop this contamination before it reaches consumers. I am also deeply concerned that certain highly virulent strains of Salmonella are still not legally classified as adulterants. This regulatory gap allows contaminated food to be sold even when it poses a known and serious risk. Recognizing these strains as adulterants would give regulators the authority needed to act swiftly to protect lives. Food safety should not depend on consumers being expected to cook, wash, or handle their way out of systemic risk. The responsibility to prevent contamination belongs at the regulatory and industry levels. Legislators have a duty to protect the American people by ensuring that food producers meet standards that prioritize public health over profit. I urge you to support policies that: • Require meaningful pathogen prevention measures at the farm level • Strengthen protections against animal waste runoff into irrigation water • Classify dangerous strains of Salmonella as adulterants • Ensure adequate funding and authority for food safety enforcement Lives are at stake, and preventable illnesses continue to harm and kill Americans. I ask you to take leadership on this issue and work toward reforms that truly protect public health. Thank you for your time and service.