SACRAMENTO—Assemblywoman Anna Caballero (D-28) held a meeting Thursday, January 11, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss food safety and the recent E. coli outbreaks.  The meeting was attended by the California Secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture, A.G. Kawamura, officials from the state Department of Health Services, Cal-EPA, the State Water Resources Control Board and the Central Coast Water Quality Control Board.

“I called this important meeting of state agency representatives to gather information about what must be done to ensure the safety of our food supply,” said Assemblywoman Caballero.  “The safety of our food supply and the protection of our vital agriculture industry is a top priority.  The Salinas Valley accounts for over 80 percent of our nation’s lettuce production—so this issue is of critical importance to the economic health of my district and the safety of America’s food supply.” 

“The meeting was very productive.  I am pleased to learn that state agencies are making progress in working together to ensure that our food supply is safe.  I also commend the agricultural industry for taking important steps to ensure the safety of our food,” Caballero said.  “It is clear, however, that ongoing research is essential to find real solutions that protect public health and the overall health of our economy.” 

“I look forward to continuing the discussion with state and local agencies, the agriculture industry, and my constituents.   We must act, but only by adopting measures and approaches that will actually achieve the public health protections we need,” Caballero said.  “Collaboration is important to ensure that we move forward with the best possible knowledge.”

The meeting was held at the State Capitol Building in Sacramento.   

Attendees:

A.G. Kawamura, Secretary, Department of Food and Agriculture
Jef f Farrar, Chief, Food and Drug Branch, Department of Heath Services
Cindy Tuck, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Cal-EPA
Patty Zwarts, Legislative Director, Cal-EPA
Eric Stein, Legislative Director, Department of Food and Agriculture
Richard Breitmeyer, State Veterinarian, Department of Food and Agriculture
Rob Egel, Legislative Director, State Water Resources Control Board
Michael Thomas, Acting Executive Officer, Central Coast Water Quality Control Board