LANSING – In a move that will strengthen protections for consumers who have recently been subjected to a number of product recalls, State Representative Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) today introduced a plan that requires perishable items, including foods, pet foods and oral hygiene products, to be labeled with their country of origin.
"People have a right to know what they're buying," Barnett said. "With the recent recalls on products that have put the health of our residents at risk, Michigan consumers are demanding action. This plan will ensure that when we go to the store or the market, we know exactly where our food came from."
Barnett's plan would require that any perishable items sold in the state, including food, pet food and oral hygiene products like mouthwash or toothpaste, to be labeled with their country of origin. This move would allow consumers to have more information when deciding whether to make a purchase.
Recently, product recalls have occurred as result of salmonella outbreaks in foodstuffs throughout the United States. In addition to the recall of peanut-based foods from Peanut Corporation of America, 2008 saw recalls of tomatoes and jalapenos from Mexico after it was determined that some of the foods had tested positive for salmonella. In 2007, there was a recall of certain pet foods after cats and dogs were becoming ill and dying. Upon investigation, the Food and Drug Administration found contaminants in proteins imported from China that were used as ingredients in the food.
"When food has been contaminated, our biggest enemy is a lack of information," Barnett said. "By giving consumers the means to make an informed decision on the foods they're buying, we're giving them the information necessary to look out for their safety and that of their family. I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this plan and strengthen protections for Michigan consumers."