Legislation aimed at bolstering the nation’s food safety laws passed in the Senate Tuesday with a 73-25 vote.
The new legislation seeks to improve the Food and Drug Administration’s ability to conduct investigations and declare recalls.
A statement released from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) pointed to multiple E-coli and other health issues within recent years as evidence that updated safety measures were needed.
“No one in America should have to worry if the food they put on the table every night is going to harm them or their families,” Reid said. “The bipartisan measure we passed today will protect families from scares like these.”
Tuesday’s vote comes over a year after the House passed similar, albeit further-reaching legislation. Due to a desire to pass legislation within the lame duck session, the House may adopt the upper-chamber’s version of the bill perhaps as soon as the end of this week.