MinnPost

May 29, 2009

http://www.minnpost.com/minnclips/2009/05/29/9161/klobuchar_wants_to_take_the_minnesota_model_nationwide_for_tracking_food-borne_illnesses

By Ken Ronnan

Researchers in Minnesota were the first to link two recent cases of salmonella outbreaks to their sources of tainted jalapeno peppers and then peanut butter, helping to prevent further illness.

That success has led Minnesota's only senator, Amy Klobchar, to push for legislation that would copy Minnesota's food-borne illness tracking method nationwide.

"The nation should not have to wait until someone gets sick in Minnesota to solve these national food outbreaks," Klobuchar said. The legislation, called the Food Safety Rapid Response Act, would cost about $20 million to put into effect.

Read more about Klobuchar's proposed changes to improve the nation's food safety.