SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6042
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 24, 2009
Title: An act relating to reporting contaminated food products.
Brief Description: Requiring a toll-free phone number to report contaminated or suspicious food products.
Sponsors: Senators Pflug, Keiser, McCaslin and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/24/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)
Background: The Department of Health (DOH) has a food safety program with access to a number of resources related to food borne illness, product safety, and restaurant inspections. The department maintains a website where the public can find general information about food safety, including basic food handling tips, product recalls, places to report food borne illnesses, and safe cooking information. Most public health jurisdictions also handle food safety concerns.
There is concern that even with the availability of public information on food safety, it is not possible for the public to find out if specific products are dangerous or contaminated when suspicion arises.
Summary of Bill: Within available funds, DOH must provide a toll-free hotline to the public for addressing concerns about suspicious food products. The hotline will provide callers with assistance determining if the product is contaminated. The toll free number must be listed in all phonebooks and included in any press release or public announcement by the department involving contaminated food products.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.