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Sen. Murkowski seeks commitment to preserve state and local food-safety inspection funding
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Summary
Senator Murkowski asked hearing participants whether the FDA will maintain contracts with state and local governments after reported federal cuts, citing the importance of such inspections for Alaska's seafood industry.
Senator Murkowski pressed the hearing participants about reported plans to cut FDA funding for state and local food-safety programs and asked for a commitment that the agency would maintain contracts with state and local governments.
"State local governments conduct about 60% of food processing facility inspections, 90% of produce safety inspections, [and] 100% of retail food inspections," Murkowski said, adding that reductions could harm Alaska's seafood industry and other local economies.
Murkowski asked the chair for assurance that the FDA would remain supportive of state and local inspection contracts because those arrangements have been "more cost effective, more efficient," and align with congressional direction, she said.
The chair responded, "I'm happy to look at that with you, senator," offering to review the point but not committing to a specific course of action in the provided segments. The exchange closed with expressions of thanks; no formal action, binding pledge, or vote was recorded during the portions supplied.
