State Rep. Patti Smith introduces pet food safety bill

The Corbett-based lawmaker wants a task force to study the issue

The Sandy Post, May 18, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

State Rep. Patti Smith, R-Corbett, has introduced a measure to the Oregon Legislature to create a food safety task force in reaction to the recent deaths and illness from pet food.

“Our state needs to focus on food safety immediately, and any measures we can take as a state are so important because of the recent pet food recall and the many issues the Department of Agriculture and the state veterinarian must face,” Smith said. “This is a global economy, and the issues surrounding our food safety at all levels will be the focus of this task force.”

Under the measure, House Bill 3556, the task force would make recommendations to an interim legislation committee, which would report to the February 2008 assembly next year. The task force would include food distributors and food manufacturers, the state veterinarian, representatives from the Department of Agriculture and one legislator.

The group’s mission includes reviewing issues surrounding pet food safety, animal safety and any regulations surrounding these important issues.

“It’s extremely important to Oregonians that they feel all is being done to inspect and OK the food that we eat and buy,” Smith said. “From the products we buy at local farmers’ markets to the pet foods we purchase, we must make every effort to ensure that all is being done here in Oregon to ensure the food supply is safe and properly inspected.”

More than 100 brands of contaminated pet food have been recalled since mid-March, and thousands of dogs and cats have died from eating the tainted food, according to published reports. In Oregon, more than 125 cases have been reported, including the deaths of more than 50 pets. Smith said she feels this is one of the most important undertakings before the Legislature reconvenes in February next year. This should be the main focus of the Department of Agriculture, and many consumers want action.

“Our state has been on the cutting edge of so many innovative things, and Oregon should be a national leader in the development of a food safety program; we owe it to our consumers,” Smith said. She hopes HB 3556 will move quickly and pass before the Legislature adjourns in June.

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