Senate to consider food safety bill after elections

The Senate will consider a food safety bill after the November elections that would give the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more power to prevent foodborne illness.

The bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, would give FDA more power to recall tainted products, increase inspections of food processors and require producers to follow stricter standards for keeping food safe. Currently, Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, USA has blocked the legislation, claiming it adds to the deficit. Reid's proposed legislation would require 60 votes to get around Coburn's objections and already passed the House last year.