Clean up food laws

It’s too bad hundreds of people had to get salmonella, but apparently widespread diarrhea is sometimes required to provoke Congress.

We’re pleased, though, to see that our representatives seem determined to pass food safety laws that better protect the public from salmonella and other potentially fatal afflictions.

First, the law allows the FDA to order recalls of tainted food; now, the agency charged with safeguarding our food can only ask for recalls.

Second, the law requires certain food-processing plants to test for contamination at least once a year, and give the results to the FDA. Now, companies don’t need to report positive tests to the FDA.

We hope the Senate follows the House’s lead; President Obama supports the legislation.

We aren’t in general in favor of the government intruding on private industry. But protecting citizens is the government’s chief duty, and ensuring the food they eat is safe is a crucial part of that responsibility.