Meat and Poultry Recall Notification Act of 2015

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to protect against foodborne illnesses, provide enhanced notification of recalled meat, poultry, eggs, and related food products, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Meat and Poultry Recall Notification Act of 2015 (b) Table of contents The table of contents of 7 this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings; purposes. TITLE I—Meat and poultry recall notification Sec. 101. Definition of adulterated. TITLE II—Food safety Sec. 201. Food safety. TITLE III—Criminal penalties and other provisions Sec. 301. Criminal penalties. Sec. 302. Reports and evaluation of implementation. Sec. 303. Authorization of appropriations. 2. Findings; purposes (a) Findings Congress finds that— (1) the safety of the food supply of the United States is vital to the public health, public confidence in the food supply, and the success of the food sector of the economy of the United States; (2) lapses in the protection of the food supply and the loss of public confidence that results from foodborne illness outbreaks and food recalls are damaging to consumers and the food industry, and place a burden on interstate commerce and international trade; (3) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture has jurisdiction over meat, poultry, and egg products; (4) (A) events recent to the date of enactment of this Act demonstrate that the food safety system administered by the Food Safety and Inspection Service is not effective in controlling risk in regulated food; and (B) these events have adversely affected consumer confidence; and (5) improving Federal oversight of food safety requires a modern food safety mandate and clear authorities to effectively protect the public from foodborne diseases associated with the products that the Food Safety and Inspection Service regulates. (b) Purposes The purposes of this Act are— (1) to establish an effective, preventive food safety system administered by the Food Safety and Inspection Service— (A) to regulate food safety and strengthen the protection of the public health; and (B) to make more effective and efficient use of resources to prevent foodborne illness; and (2) to establish that food establishments have responsibility to ensure that all stages of production, processing, and distribution of the products of the food establishments, or under the control of the food establishments, satisfy the requirements of this Act. I Meat and poultry recall notification 101. Definition of adulterated (a) Meat and meat food products Section 1(m) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601(m) (1) in paragraph (8), by striking or (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or (3) by adding at the end the following: (10) if it bears or contains a pathogen or contaminant associated with serious illness or death. . (b) Poultry and poultry products Section 4(g) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 453(g) (1) in paragraph (7), by striking or (2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or (3) by adding at the end the following: (9) if it bears or contains a pathogen or contaminant associated with serious illness or death. . (c) Eggs and egg products Section 4(a) of the Egg Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1033(a) (1) in paragraph (7), by striking or (2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or (3) by adding at the end the following: (9) if it bears or contains a pathogen or contaminant associated with serious illness or death. . II Food safety 201. Food safety (a) In general Subtitle G of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6981 et seq. (1) by inserting after the subtitle heading the following: I Administration ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: II Food safety 263. Definitions In this part: (1) Adulterated (A) In general The term adulterated (i) in the case of poultry or a poultry product, section 4 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 453 (ii) in the case of meat or a meat food product, section 1 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 (iii) in the case of an egg or egg product, section 4 of the Egg Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1033 (B) Inclusion The term adulterated (2) Agency The term agency (3) Contaminant The term contaminant (4) Food The term food (A) a meat or a meat food product (within the meaning of the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (B) an egg or egg product (as defined in section 4 of the Egg Proucts Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1033 (C) a poultry or poultry product (as defined in section 4 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 453 (5) Food establishment (A) In general The term food establishment (B) Exclusions The term food establishment (6) Food safety law The term food safety law (A) the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq. (B) the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (C) the Egg Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq. (D) the provisions of Public Law 85–765 Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 7 U.S.C. 1901 et seq. (E) this part; and (F) such other provisions of law relating to and requiring food safety, labeling, inspection, and enforcement as the President designates by Executive order as appropriate to include within the jurisdiction of the Secretary. (7) Interstate commerce The term interstate commerce Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 21 U.S.C. 321 (8) Misbranded The term misbranded (A) in the case of poultry or a poultry product, section 4 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 453 (B) in the case of meat or a meat food product, section 1 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 (C) in the case of an egg or egg product, section 4 of the Egg Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1033 (9) Process The term process processing (10) Safe The term safe (11) Secretary The term Secretary (12) State The term State (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (D) any other territory or possession of the United States. 264. Notification and recall (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Class I recall The term Class I recall (2) Retail establishment The term retail establishment (3) Summary notice The term summary notice (b) Notice to Secretary of violation (1) In general A person that has reason to believe that any food introduced into or in interstate commerce, or held for sale (whether or not the first sale) after shipment in interstate commerce, may be in violation of the food safety law shall immediately notify the Secretary of the identity and location of the food. (2) Manner of notification Notification under paragraph (1) shall be made in such manner and by such means as the Secretary may require by regulation. (c) Recall and consumer notification (1) Voluntary actions If the Secretary determines that food is in violation of the food safety law when introduced into or while in interstate commerce or while held for sale (whether or not the first sale) after shipment in interstate commerce or that there is a reasonable probability that the food, if consumed, would present a threat to public health, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary shall give the appropriate persons (including the manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers of the food) an opportunity— (A) to cease distribution of the food; (B) to notify all persons— (i) processing, distributing, or otherwise handling the food to immediately cease such activities with respect to the food; or (ii) to which the food has been distributed, transported, or sold, to immediately cease distribution of the food; (C) to recall the food; (D) in conjunction with the Secretary, to provide notice of the finding of the Secretary— (i) to consumers to whom the food was, or may have been, distributed; and (ii) to State and local public health officials; or (E) to take any combination of the measures described in this paragraph, as determined by the Secretary to be appropriate in the circumstances. (2) Mandatory actions If a person referred to in paragraph (1) refuses to or does not adequately carry out the actions described in that paragraph within the time period and in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary shall— (A) have authority to control and possess the food or recall the food, including ordering the shipment of the food from the food establishment to the Secretary— (i) at the expense of the food establishment; or (ii) in an emergency (as determined by the Secretary), at the expense of the Secretary; and (B) by order, require, as the Secretary determines to be necessary, the person to immediately— (i) cease distribution of the food; (ii) notify all persons— (I) processing, distributing, or otherwise handling the food to immediately cease such activities with respect to the food; or (II) if the food has been distributed, transported, or sold, to immediately cease distribution of the food; and (iii) recall contaminated food. (3) Notification to consumers by Secretary In accordance with subsection (d), the Secretary shall, as the Secretary determines to be necessary, provide notice of the finding of the Secretary under paragraph (1)— (A) to consumers to whom the food was, or may have been, distributed; (B) to State and local public health officials; and (C) to such other persons as the Secretary determines appropriate. (4) Nondistribution by notified persons A person that processes, distributes, or otherwise handles the food, or to which the food has been distributed, transported, or sold, and that is notified under paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(B) shall immediately cease distribution of the food. (5) Availability of records to Secretary Each person referred to in paragraph (1) that processed, distributed, or otherwise handled food shall make available to the Secretary information necessary to carry out this subsection, as determined by the Secretary, regarding— (A) persons that processed, distributed, or otherwise handled the food; and (B) persons to which the food has been transported, sold, distributed, or otherwise handled. (d) Consumer recall notification (1) Distribution of information In the case of any Class I recall, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, distribute to each retail establishment that has received or is likely to have received recalled product in the United States a 1-page summary notice containing product information of each food or food product subject to the Class I recall. (2) Distribution of information The Secretary shall require each retail establishment that receives a summary notice to perform 2 of the 3 following actions: (A) To post a copy of the summary notice at each cash register of the retail establishment. (B) To post a copy of the summary notice on the shelving unit on which the food or food product was sold. (C) In the case of a retail establishment that uses a customer card system to track customer purchases or demographics— (i) to place a call to each customer that purchased a recalled food or food product to inform the customer of the Class I recall; or (ii) to make available to each customer that purchased a recalled food or food product with a targeted coupon with information about the recalled food or food product. (3) Assistance In cooperation with and, when necessary, with direct assistance from the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers of Excellence of the Food and Drug Administration, the Secretary shall provide assistance to regional, State, and local agencies to assist in carrying out this section through activities such as providing resources, including timely information concerning symptoms and tests, for frontline health professionals interviewing individuals as part of routine surveillance and outbreak investigations. (4) Availability of lists of retail consignees during food recalls The Secretary shall make publicly available the names and locations of retail establishment consignees of recalled food or food products that the Secretary compiles in connection with a recall for which there is a reasonable probability that the use of the food or food product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. (e) Informal hearings on orders (1) In general The Secretary shall provide any person subject to an order under subsection (c) with an opportunity for an informal hearing, to be held as soon as practicable but not later than 2 business days after the issuance of the order. (2) Scope of the hearing In a hearing under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the actions required by the order and any reasons why the food that is the subject of the order should not be recalled. (f) Post-Hearing recall orders (1) Amendment of order If, after providing an opportunity for an informal hearing under subsection (e), the Secretary determines that there is a reasonable probability that the food that is the subject of an order under subsection (c), if consumed, would present a threat to the public health, the Secretary, as the Secretary determines to be necessary, may— (A) amend the order to require recall of the food or other appropriate action; (B) specify a timetable in which the recall shall occur; (C) require periodic reports to the Secretary describing the progress of the recall; and (D) provide notice of the recall to consumers to whom the food was, or may have been, distributed. (2) Vacation of orders If, after providing an opportunity for an informal hearing under subsection (e), the Secretary determines that adequate grounds do not exist to continue the actions required by the order, the Secretary shall vacate the order. (g) Remedies not exclusive The remedies provided in this section shall be in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available. 265. Enforcement and administration (a) Civil penalties (1) Civil sanctions (A) Civil penalty (i) In general Any person that commits an act that violates the food safety law (including a regulation promulgated or order issued under a Federal food safety law) may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $10,000 for each such act. (ii) Separate offense Each act described in clause (i) and each day during which that act continues shall be considered a separate offense. (B) Other requirements (i) Written order The civil penalty described in subparagraph (A) shall be assessed by the Secretary by a written order, which shall specify the amount of the penalty and the basis for the penalty under clause (ii) considered by the Secretary. (ii) Amount of penalty Subject to subparagraph (A)(i), the amount of the civil penalty shall be determined by the Secretary, after considering— (I) the gravity of the violation; (II) the degree of culpability of the person; (III) the size and type of the business of the person; and (IV) any history of prior offenses by the person under the food safety law. (iii) Review of order The order may be reviewed only in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) Judicial review (A) In general An order assessing a civil penalty under paragraph (1) shall be a final order unless the person— (i) not later than 30 days after the effective date of the order, files a petition for judicial review of the order in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which that person resides or has its principal place of business or the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia; and (ii) simultaneously serves a copy of the petition by certified mail to the Secretary. (B) Filing of record Not later than 45 days after the service of a copy of the petition under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall file in the court a certified copy of the administrative record upon which the order was issued. (C) Standard of review The findings of the Secretary relating to the order shall be set aside only if found to be unsupported by substantial evidence on the record as a whole. (3) Collection actions for failure to pay (A) In general If any person fails to pay a civil penalty assessed under paragraph (1) after the order assessing the penalty has become a final order, or after the court of appeals described in paragraph (2) has entered final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Attorney General, who shall institute in a United States district court of competent jurisdiction a civil action to recover the amount assessed. (B) Limitation on review In a civil action under subparagraph (A), the validity and appropriateness of the order of the Secretary assessing the civil penalty shall not be subject to judicial review. (4) Penalties paid into account The Secretary— (A) shall deposit penalties collected under this section in an account in the Treasury; and (B) may use the funds in the account, without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation— (i) to carry out enforcement activities under food safety law; or (ii) to provide assistance to States to inspect retail commercial food establishments or other food or firms under the jurisdiction of State food safety programs. (5) Discretion of the Secretary to prosecute Nothing in this part requires the Secretary to report for prosecution, or for the commencement of an action, the violation of the food safety law in a case in which the Secretary finds that the public interest will be adequately served by the assessment of a civil penalty under this section. (6) Remedies not exclusive The remedies provided in this subsection are in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available under this or any other Act. (b) Presumption In any action to enforce the requirements of the food safety law, the connection with interstate commerce required for jurisdiction shall be presumed to exist. (c) Whistleblower protection (1) In general No Federal employee, employee of a Federal contractor or subcontractor, or any individual employed by a company or other entity that is a regulated establishment or any other entity involved in the food supply system (referred to in this subsection as a covered individual (A) to provide information, cause information to be provided, or otherwise assist in an investigation regarding any conduct that the covered individual reasonably believes constitutes a violation of this Act or a food safety law, including any related rules or regulations, or that the covered individual reasonably believes constitutes a threat to the public health, if the information or assistance is provided to, or the investigation is conducted by— (i) a Federal regulatory or law enforcement agency; (ii) a Member or committee of Congress; or (iii) a person with supervisory authority over the covered individual (or such other individual who has the authority to investigate, discover, or terminate misconduct); (B) to file, cause to be filed, testify, participate in, or otherwise assist in a proceeding or action filed or about to be filed relating to a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or (C) to refuse to violate or assist in the violation of any law, rule, or regulation. (2) Enforcement action (A) Complaint (i) In general A covered individual who alleges discharge or other discrimination by any person in violation of paragraph (1) may seek relief under paragraph (3) by filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor. (ii) Legal action If the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision by the date that is 210 days after the date on which the complaint is filed and there is no showing that the delay is due to the bad faith of the claimant, the claimant may bring an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States, which shall have jurisdiction over such an action without regard to the amount in controversy. (B) Procedure An action under subparagraph (A) shall be governed under the rules and procedures established in section 1012 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 399d (C) Remedies A covered individual who prevails in any action under subparagraph (A) shall be entitled to remedies equivalent to relief provided under section 1012(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 399d(b)(4)(B) (3) Applicability This subsection shall apply and be carried out in accordance with section 1012 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 399d (4) Rights retained by the covered individual (A) In general Nothing in this subsection diminishes the rights, privileges, or remedies of any covered individual under any Federal or State law, or under any collective bargaining agreement. (B) Prohibition on waiver The rights and remedies in this subsection may not be waived by any agreement, policy, form, or condition of employment. (d) Administration and enforcement (1) In general For the efficient administration and enforcement of the food safety law, the provisions (including provisions relating to penalties) of sections 6, 8, 9, and 10 of the Federal Trade Commission Act 15 U.S.C. 46 (2) Inquiries and actions (A) In general The Secretary, in person or by such agents as the Secretary may designate, may prosecute any inquiry necessary to carry out the duties of the Secretary under the food safety law in any part of the United States. (B) Powers The powers conferred by sections 9 and 10 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (e) Citizen civil actions (1) Civil actions A person may commence a civil action against the Secretary (in his or her capacity as the Secretary)— (A) if the Secretary fails to perform an act or duty that is not discretionary under a food safety law and the failure to perform that act or duty presents a clear, demonstrated, and serious present threat to public health; but (B) only after the person has— (i) filed a petition with the Secretary; and (ii) given the Secretary 180 days to comply with nondiscretionary acts or duties. (2) Court (A) In general The action shall be commenced in the United States district court for the district in which the defendant resides, is found, or has an agent. (B) Jurisdiction The court shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy, or the citizenship of the parties, to require the Secretary to perform a nondiscretionary act or duty under a food safety law, if— (i) it is proven that— (I) (aa) the act or duty is not discretionary and is critical to public health protection; and (bb) the Secretary has the appropriate financial resources to perform the act or duty; (II) (aa) the Secretary was given 180 days to perform the act or duty prior to the filing of an action; and (bb) the Secretary did not perform the act or duty; and (ii) the plaintiff presents credible evidence, including, if applicable, evidence representing the current scientific knowledge, that indicates that an act or duty necessary to regulate or control a food safety hazard has not been performed by the Secretary. (C) Damages The court may— (i) require the Secretary to perform the act or duty in question towards a standard of protecting public health; and (ii) award the plaintiff part or all of the costs of suit, including reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable expert witness fees, if— (I) awarding the fees is in the interest of justice; (II) the failure of the Secretary to perform a required act or duty is found to be capricious or negligent; and (III) awarding the fees would not reduce resources applied to public health inspections. . III Criminal penalties and other provisions 301. Criminal penalties (a) Poultry Products Inspection Act Section 12 of the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 461 (d) Knowing introduction into commerce of unsafe food (1) Criminal sanctions (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person that knowingly produces or introduces into commerce poultry or a poultry product that is unsafe or otherwise adulterated or misbranded shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 years or fined not more than $25,000, or both. (B) Severe violations A person that commits a violation described in subparagraph (A) after a conviction of that person under this subsection has become final, or commits such a violation with the intent to defraud or mislead, shall be imprisoned for not more than 20 years or fined not more than $100,000, or both. (2) Penalties paid into account The Secretary shall deposit penalties collected under this subsection in the account described in section 265(a)(4) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. (3) Discretion of the Secretary to prosecute Nothing in this subsection requires the Secretary to report for prosecution, or for the commencement of an action, a violation described in paragraph (1) in a case in which the Secretary finds that the public interest will be adequately served by the assessment of a civil penalty. (4) Remedies not exclusive The remedies provided in this subsection are in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available under this or any other Act. . (b) Federal Meat Inspection Act Section 406 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 676 (d) Knowing introduction into commerce of unsafe food (1) Criminal sanctions (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person that knowingly produces or introduces into commerce meat or a meat food product that is unsafe or otherwise adulterated or misbranded shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 years or fined not more than $25,000, or both. (B) Severe violations A person that commits a violation described in subparagraph (A) after a conviction of that person under this subsection has become final, or commits such a violation with the intent to defraud or mislead, shall be imprisoned for not more than 20 years or fined not more than $100,000, or both. (2) Penalties paid into account The Secretary shall deposit penalties collected under this subsection in the account described in section 265(a)(4) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. (3) Discretion of the Secretary to prosecute Nothing in this subsection requires the Secretary to report for prosecution, or for the commencement of an action, a violation described in paragraph (1) in a case in which the Secretary finds that the public interest will be adequately served by the assessment of a civil penalty. (4) Remedies not exclusive The remedies provided in this subsection are in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available under this or any other Act. . (c) Egg Products Inspection Act Section 12 of the Egg Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1041 (f) Knowing introduction into commerce of unsafe food (1) Criminal sanctions (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person that knowingly produces or introduces into commerce eggs or egg products that are unsafe or otherwise adulterated or misbranded shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 years or fined not more than $25,000, or both. (B) Severe violations A person that commits a violation described in subparagraph (A) after a conviction of that person under this subsection has become final, or commits such a violation with the intent to defraud or mislead, shall be imprisoned for not more than 20 years or fined not more than $100,000, or both. (2) Penalties paid into account The Secretary shall deposit penalties collected under this subsection in the account described in section 265(a)(4) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. (3) Discretion of the Secretary to prosecute Nothing in this subsection requires the Secretary to report for prosecution, or for the commencement of an action, a violation described in paragraph (1) in a case in which the Secretary finds that the public interest will be adequately served by the assessment of a civil penalty. (4) Remedies not exclusive The remedies provided in this subsection are in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available under this or any other Act. . 302. Reports and evaluation of implementation (a) Secretary Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and each of the following 2 years, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) describes the progress of the Secretary in implementing this Act and the amendments made by this Act; (2) includes any requests for additional resources or clarification or modification of policy; and (3) suggests any necessary technical or conforming amendments. (b) Comptroller General Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall— (1) carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of the implementation of this Act and the amendments made by this Act, including— (A) management of agency resources; (B) the ability of industry to comply; and (C) the public health and food safety outcomes achieved; and (2) submit to Congress a report describing the results of the evaluation. 303. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year. (b) Limitation on appropriations For the fiscal year that includes the date of enactment of this Act, the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall not exceed— (1) the amount appropriated for that fiscal year for the Food Safety and Inspection Service, including any additional separate appropriations for the activities of the Under Secretary for Food Safety; or (2) the amount appropriated for the Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Under Secretary for Food Safety for the preceding fiscal year, if as of the date of enactment of this Act, the relevant appropriations for the fiscal year that includes the date of enactment of this Act have not yet been made.

Summary: Meat and Poultry Recall Notification Act of 2015 This bill amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to authorize the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue a mandatory recall of contaminated meat, poultry, and egg products. Under current law, recalls are voluntary actions taken by food companies. The bill modifies the definition of "adulterated" used for recalls to include a food product that bears or contains a pathogen or contaminant associated with serious illness or death. If USDA determines that food violates a food safety law and there is a reasonable probability that the food, if consumed, would present a threat to public health, USDA must: (1) notify consumers and public health officials, and (2) provide the company with an opportunity to take voluntary actions. If the company refuses to carry out voluntary actions within the time period and in the manner prescribed by USDA, USDA is authorized to control and possess the food, recall the food, and take other mandatory actions necessary to prevent its distribution. In the case of a recall, USDA must provide affected retailers with a notice containing the product information of each product subject to the recall, and the retailers must post the notice or notify consumers using a customer card system. The bill establishes procedures, including civil and criminal penalties, to enforce this bill and other food safety laws.