Right now, the Secretary of Agriculture cannot recall a meat product that is contaminated and could make people sick. Most processors are committed to the safety of their products, and to protecting you. They will recall their products voluntarily If a problem occurs. But in rare instances, a processor my not cooperate, or may disregard about product safety. I think that to ensure your protection, that decision must be up to the Secretary.
Food safety is a common-sense issue.
Currently, the Secretary of Agriculture has the power to levy civil fines to protect circus animals, but not to protect your food. The Food Safety Enforcement Enhancement Act will give the Secretary of Agriculture the commonsense authority to recall unsafe meat and poultry, and to fine processors who intentionally try to cut corners and put you at risk. Food safety is a family issue. Illness from food results in lost income, medical costs, lost time for parents and children, and sometimes very serious medical consequences. Currently, the only power the Secretary of Agriculture has to protect meat and poultry products from bad production practices is to shut down a plant entirely, sending home workers who are not directly responsible.