Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) was joined by Consumers Union and local food safety representatives today to advocate for the passage of new food safety legislation in the U.S. Senate that has already passed in the House.

Lowey says the Food Safety Enhancement Act would make critical improvements to help ensure the safety of food products.

Preventative measures would be instituted to stop outbreaks before they occur, mandatory inspections of high-risk facilities would be required, penalties would be increased and the FDA would be given mandatory recall authority.

Lowey released a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today, encouraging the Senate's quick passage of the legislation.