There's a buzz in the food blog-o-sphere about House Bill 875, the Food Modernization Act of 2009, which is now being debated in congressional committees in Washington, D.C.

Like the name suggests, the legislation would bring the country's food system into the 21st century (According to this detailed report, most food safety laws have not been updated since the Food and Drug Administration was formed in 1906. And food safety oversight is fragmented between the FDA, Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture and who knows what other federal agencies.)

The Food Modernization Act would establish a single food safety wing to ensure the safety of food, promote research on food-borne illnesses and reduce the risk of potential food contamination.

It all sounds good. But according to according to a letter sent out by Christi Paulson, leader of Slow Food Utah, the bill could hurt small local food producers by imposing heavy government regulation that only large corporations could adhere to.

Tribune reporters in Washington D.C. say the bill is stuck between two committees and Congress is getting ready for a two week break. So there is time to contact your U.S. Senator or Representative to tell them to make sure the legislation doesn't hurt the little guy.

You can even go to LeaveMyFoodAlone.org and sign a national petition that already has gathered some 2,500 signatures in less than week.

Labels: farmers, health