Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06) introduced the Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026 to help keep Americans safe from contamination and foodborne illnesses. This legislation gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to share information with state and local regulatory agencies, who conduct a majority of food processing inspections for FDA. The FDA currently does not have the authority to share this information because the information is considered proprietary. 

 

In 2024, communication between federal and local agencies in North Carolina resulted in the successful recall of lead-contaminated applesauce across the country, demonstrating the benefits of how sharing relevant food safety information can protect the public. 

 

“In my home state of North Carolina, we have seen how information sharing between federal and state agencies during a food safety crisis led to a food recall that saved lives across the country,” said Congresswoman Ross. “We must empower FDA to share information with the state and local agencies that are not only responsible for conducting the majority of food safety inspections nationwide, but also with keeping Americans safe during times of crisis. This legislation is a commonsense solution that will improve government communications, keep people healthy, and save lives."

 

"For too long, bureaucratic walls have slowed down real-time cooperation on food safety,” said Congressman Rulli. “This bill is a practical reform that cuts red tape, enables faster responses to threats, and delivers stronger protections for Ohio families and families across the country without adding new mandates or spending."

 

Bill text is available here.

 

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