Bill Overview
Title: Food Safety Administration Act of 2022
Description: This bill splits the current Food and Drug Administration into the Federal Drug Administration (to regulate drugs, cosmetics, devices, biological products, color additives, and tobacco) and the Food Safety Administration (to regulate food safety). The bill also establishes specific requirements with respect to manufacturers of infant formula, such as requiring manufacturers to notify the newly created Food Safety Administration of potential infant formula shortages.
Sponsors: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Target Audience
Population: People globally consuming food
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The regulation of food safety impacts all individuals who consume food, as it ensures the standards and safety of the food supply.
- Infant formula manufacturers are directly impacted as they have new notification requirements in case of shortages.
- New parents or caregivers using infant formula will be affected as the legislation aims to ensure formula availability and inform them about potential shortages.
- The bill will influence food producers, distributors, and retailers as they need to comply with the new food safety standards.
- Restaurant and grocery store operators will be affected as their products must comply with the regulations set by the Food Safety Administration.
Reasoning
- The policy will have a direct impact on key sectors such as food production, retail, and service industries, as well as on infant formula manufacturers and consumers. However, given the large target population (approximately everyone in the country), the individual impact may be small unless one is directly connected to affected industries or demographic groups.
- Infant formula regulations will specifically affect new parents and caregivers who rely on formula-feeding, potentially providing peace of mind regarding availability and safety, albeit minimal if there is no crisis.
- Budget constraints mean vast population-wide changes are unlikely, but targeted impacts, such as improved food safety processes in high-risk food sectors, are plausible.
- Many people may not notice substantial changes in their daily lives, especially those not directly interacting with food production or distribution industries.
Simulated Interviews
Chef (New York, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think enhanced food safety regulations will provide better trust in the ingredients I source.
- The concern is whether compliance will increase operational costs for us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Engineer (San Jose, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am glad for any policy that makes baby formula more reliable.
- This won't affect me much in daily life as I do not frequently rely on commercial food services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Stay-at-home mom (Houston, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to know there will be some oversight on formula shortages.
- My concern is about the execution and if it will translate to real benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Grocer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stricter food safety measures are always welcome, though they might add to our cost pressures due to compliance.
- Keeping customers safe has always been our priority.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Food Safety Analyst (Denver, CO)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is aligned with what I've been advocating for in my field.
- It should bring more structured oversight and accountability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Infant Formula Manufacturer Executive (Miami, FL)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring safety standards is vital, but I worry about the impact on supply chains and reporting burdens.
- Compliance might be expensive initially, but it's doable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would feel safer if there are better checks in place for the food I buy.
- I hope these changes prevent those surprise recalls.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Restaurant Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm aware that compliance with additional safety regulations could increase our costs, but it might also protect us from liability issues.
- It's a necessary balance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring to have more safety checks in place, especially for budget brands that may cut corners.
- I'm just concerned if the changes will increase my grocery bill.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Farmer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 72 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I trust my own produce, but it's good to know the market stuff will be safer.
- The formula notification is a plus for my grandkids' parents.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 2: $750000000 (Low: $650000000, High: $850000000)
Year 3: $700000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $800000000)
Year 5: $650000000 (Low: $550000000, High: $750000000)
Year 10: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Key Considerations
- Initial setup and duplication of administrative structures will generate high costs.
- Over time, specialization might enhance oversight and efficiency.
- Potentially significant adjustments in compliance for large and small food producers.