Demystifying H.R. 875

H.R. 875, a federal bill proposed to reform the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been causing quite a stir in the sustainable/organic food movement of late. The bill, proposed by Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), has been maligned by some and championed by others. Having read it myself and not being used to congressional jargon, it is challenging to interpret and could be read and misconstrued in many different ways. It is understandable that there has been such controversy on the blogosphere.

Food and Water Watch has written several good articles on the subject, trying to de-bunk much of the e-mail whirlwind that has arisen by clearly stating what the bill does and doesn’t do. They have even gone so far as to develop an H.R. 875 Game Show widget, in order to clarify some potential misconceptions.

Marion Nestle, prominent food nutritionist and activist, also does some “de-bunking” on The Daily Green. Her post is provocative, listing excerpts from some of the many hysterical emails she has received concerning the bill. She also sites support for the legislation by many prominent food safety groups, such as The Pew Charitable Trust, Safe Tables Our Priority, and others.

Major points for the pro-H.R. 875 side include:

• The bill addresses the most critical flaw in food safety regulation by splitting the FDA into two separate entities;
• It would increase inspection of meat processing plants;
• It requires imported food to meat higher standards;
• It does not regulate organic food, which falls under the jurisdiction of the USDA, not the FDA; and
• Small and organic farmers would profit as they will not have as much competition from imported sources which would be more strictly regulated.

On the other hand, many articles have criticized the bill, stating that it will do dire harm to small organic and sustainable farmers, back-yard gardeners, and farmers markets. Libertarian blog “Campaign for Liberty” labels H.R. 875 an act of the “Food Police” and claims it would violate the 10^th amendment (which protects “states’ rights” where federal law does not supersede them).

Main points of the anti-H.R. 875 side include:

• The tracking and safety provisions, along with the compliance burden, would be expensive and create unnecessary costs for small farmers;
• The bill does not address the major differences between large scale agriculture and meat processing plants and small, sustainable farms;
• There is a well known connection between the USDA/FDA and Monsanto, so the bill has been corrupted by big agribusinesses; and
• The language in the bill is so general it could be used to damage organic and sustainable farming.

Congresswoman DeLauro’s site has a list of myths and facts concerning the bill, as well as an article on restructuring the FDA, and a Summary of H.R. 875. Rumors are also circulating that DeLauro has been meeting with organic farmers and producers to hear their concerns and draw up a list of proposed amendments to the bill. An interesting article in the Huffington Post also highlights the reaction of Congresswoman DeLauro to the opposition.

With all the information out there, it’s important to sift through and come to educated conclusions of your own. Beware of hysteric and reactionary cries and turn to well-known, un-biased sources of media for answers. If you want to take a position on the legislation, be productive. Rather than posting rants on the comments sections of various websites, why not carry on a great tradition of civic engagement by writing to your senators and congressional representatives to let them know your view, be it positive or negative. After all, their job is to represent you, their constituent.

It is also important to remember that H.R. 875 is not being rushed through the House, and may well not pass at all. There are other bills that have been proposed to reform the FDA, including H.R. 815 and H.R. 759, which may have better chances of passing. So before these bills go to a vote, which could be months away, learn the facts and pay attention to what’s in the news.