Bill Reintroduced to Allow FDA to Share Information with State Agencies During Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
A bill to improve information-sharing between federal and state regulators during foodborne illness outbreaks has been reintroduced to Congress.
The Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026 would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to share information with state and local regulatory agencies, which conduct a majority of food processing inspections for FDA. At present, the agency does not have the authority to share this information because it is considered proprietary.
Specifically, the bill would empower FDA to share unredacted information with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies with shared responsibility for public health related to:
- Foodborne illness surveillance data
- Laboratory sampling testing information
- Inspectional information and results
- Distribution lists for recalls and outbreaks
- Consumer complaints
- Any other information FDA determines will assist in protecting the public from foodborne threats.
Originally introduced in 2024, the reintroduced act was inspired by the 2023 lead chromate contamination incident linked to cinnamon applesauce pouches, which sickened hundreds of children nationwide and revealed major shortcomings in the U.S. food recall system, including the existing information-sharing gaps among federal and SLTT agencies. The bill is sponsored by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Congressman Michael Rulli (R-OH).
The bill will be one of 28 pieces of legislation related to food safety regulatory oversight and FDA that will be discussed during an April 29 hearing by the House Subcommittee on Health.
Update, April 30, 2026: The Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026 was discussed during an April 29 Congressional hearing. Coverage of the hearing can be read here.
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