Restore CDC Food Safety Surveillance to Protect Public Health

I am deeply concerned about the recent decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to discontinue surveillance of six critical foodborne pathogens in our food supply. This alarming change leaves Americans, especially our vulnerable children, at increased risk of potentially deadly infections from campylobacter, cyclospora, listeria, shigella, vibrio, and yersinia. The sudden reduction in food safety monitoring is a significant step backward for public health. This decision, coupled with drastic cuts to the number of food facility inspectors and the rollback of other crucial food safety regulations, creates a perfect storm for increased foodborne illnesses across our nation. We cannot afford to compromise on the safety of what we eat. The consequences of this reduced vigilance are likely to be severe. We can expect a rise in hospitalizations due to food-related illnesses that could have been prevented with proper surveillance and inspection protocols. The economic and human costs of these preventable illnesses will far outweigh any short-term savings from cutting these essential programs. I urge you to take immediate action to address these dangerous cuts to our food safety infrastructure. Congress must act swiftly to restore funding for comprehensive pathogen surveillance and increase the number of food facility inspectors. Our nation's health depends on a robust, proactive approach to food safety. Please prioritize this issue in upcoming legislative sessions and work with your colleagues to reinstate these critical food safety measures. The health of your constituents and all Americans is at stake. We need your leadership to ensure that our food supply remains one of the safest in the world. Act now to prevent a potential public health crisis and protect our communities from unnecessary harm.