July 26, 2007

Lansing - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Mitch Irwin today applauded the work of the Michigan House of Representatives for their quick passage of House Bill (HB) 4956. HB 4956 better protects the state’s food safety net by enhancing statewide food safety standards for restaurants, grocery stores and other food establishments.

The bill also clarifies when food establishments should send sick employees home, requires food service establishments to employ certified food managers, adopts federal standards on seafood and juice processing, requires managers be knowledgeable about food allergens, restricts bare hand contact with food and changes inspection provisions to involve managers in identifying risks.

"This comprehensive set of changes helps us in the battle against food-borne illnesses and strengthens Michigan’s food safety net enhancing consumer confidence in the food chain," said bill sponsor Rep. Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City). “Recent outbreaks of Norovirus further underscore the importance of protecting public health, which also buttresses consumer confidence in the food industry.”

MDA staff enforces food safety laws and regulates the state’s food supply at 17,900 food-processing plants, retail grocery stores, convenience stores, markets and fair concessions in Michigan.

“Passage of the bill highlights MDA’s role in keeping the people of Michigan safe and healthy as well as strengthens our response capabilities during food safety emergencies, such as with the recent nationwide instances of Botulism and E.Coli,” said Irwin. “Additionally, it allows us to be a stronger player in the growing concerns associated with imported foods.”

Additionally, MDA collaborates with local health departments (LHDs) to ensure the 31,000 licensed restaurant businesses in the state are serving safe food to Michigan citizens and visitors. MDA, in concert with LHDs, investigates foodborne illness outbreaks and other food emergencies. Additionally, the department keeps consumers and stakeholders informed of food recalls and other food issues.

For more information on food safety, visit MDA’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/foodsafety.