It has been a busy few days.  I spent all day and evening Wednesday trying to resolve a number of E. coli O157:H7 cases involving the Barbecue Pit and Nebraska Beef in South Georgia – made some progress, but not there yet on all the cases.  This morning was the deadline given to the insurers to resolve two Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome cases linked a raw goat milk E. coli outbreak in Missouri.  The insurers, the farm, the store and the families opted to settle the claims.

In the meantime, I am trying to keep up on the comings and goings in Washington D.C. – food safety in particular.  Attached you will find the HELP Committee Chairman’s "Mark-up" of S 510, which was adopted by the Committee.  It now moves on to the full Senate.  Assuming it passes, there will be a Conference Committee to work out the details of the House version, HB 2749.  I have not had time to read the "Mark-up," (click on image of bill to download) but have time this evening in addition to preparing my speech for Friday at the Government Accountability Project.

Regarding S 510, I understand that four amendments were accepted.

Sen. Murkowski – To require a study of food transportation that includes an examination of the unique needs of rural areas.

Sen. Murkowski – To require that the Secretary update the Fish and Fisheries Products Hazards and Control Guidance.

Sen. Burr – To clarify certain provisions with respect to alcohol wholesalers (exempting wholesalers in addition to producers from Sec 103, preventive controls. Sen. Murray cosponsored)

Sen. Burr – To ensure that the Secretary carries out consultation and outreach with various types of entities engaged in the production and harvesting of fruits and vegetables that are raw agricultural commodities, including small businesses and entities that sell directly to consumers and farmer representatives.  Require more public meetings/consultation with producers, growers, etc. Sen. Bennet cosponsored).

So, I guess I will start reading while looking out the window.