House passes extension for food safety task force

A 15-member task force established in 1990 to enhance protection and safety of the food supply would continue for another decade under one provision of a bill passed 131-1 by the House Monday.

Sponsored by Rep. Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake), HF1545 would extend the Food Safety and Defense Task Force, which works to educate the public, provide advice to the Legislature and coordinate government efforts concerning food safety issues, until 2027. Authorization for the task force is currently set to expire at the end of June.

The bill would also give the Department of Agriculture more authority with regard to meat inspections by changing a definition in state statute. This would allow inspectors to better regulate a growing segment of the meat industry that includes rabbits and guinea pigs, among other animals.

“In the statute it strikes the word ‘large’ so they can now regulate the slaughter and processing for animals of all sizes,” Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) said. “We think that’s a good thing.”

The bill now travels to the Senate where Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) is the sponsor.