A bill to provide the Food and Drug Administration with authority to conduct microbial sampling on concentrated animal feeding operations as necessary to facilitate a foodborne illness outbreak investigation, determine the root cause of an outbreak of foodborne illness, or address other public health needs.

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill 119 s 376, also known as the "Microbial Sampling on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Act," aims to grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to conduct microbial sampling on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) when necessary for investigating foodborne illness outbreaks, identifying the source of an outbreak, or addressing other public health concerns.

CAFOs are large-scale facilities where animals are raised in high densities, often leading to increased risk of foodborne illnesses. By allowing the FDA to conduct microbial sampling on these operations, the agency can better understand and prevent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses that may originate from CAFOs.

This bill is crucial for protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the food supply. It empowers the FDA to take proactive measures in investigating and addressing potential sources of foodborne illnesses, ultimately benefiting consumers and the agricultural industry as a whole.