House wants local officials to help inspect food plants
The House has unanimously approved legislation that could boost the state’s efforts to inspect food processing plants, a measure arising out of the peanut-based salmonella controversy.
HB 381, sponsored by Rep. Terry England (R-Auburn), would allow the state Agriculture commissioner to deputize county health inspectors to perform inspections at local plants. The idea grew out of the controversy surrounding a South Georgia peanut plant blamed for deaths and illnesses around the country.
The bill does not grant those local officials the power to shut down a plant. Instead, if the inspector finds a problem, he must immediately contact the Department of Agriculture.
“It just lets us have another pair of eyes on the situation,” England said.
It now goes to the Senate.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution