Changes Made to Michigan's Food Law Crucial For Food Safety

By Cindy Denby

Over the last few months I have been working on legislation to update Michigan's food laws. I am pleased to announce that this week the House approved my legislation. House Bill 5130 adds safety provisions to Michigan's food law and brings it up to date with federal standards. These changes are crucial to ensuring food safety is top notch in our state. HB 5130 adopts the federally recommended three-tiered food inspection reporting process that was put in place a few years ago. The bill ensures that all employees are properly trained in food safety rules related to their duties. 

The bill also updates safety provisions for egg and shellfish, prohibits children from ordering undercooked meat and creates additional safety standards for undercooked foods. Lastly, the legislation also includes a safeguard against Bridge Card vendor abuse. By ensuring that retailers who accept Bridge Cards are following Michigan food laws, we can help reduce the amount of abuse in the assistance system. The legislation has now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Agriculture is a leading industry in our state and I recently came across a great opportunity that everyone in the agriculture industry should take advantage of. The agriculture department is now seeking grant proposals for a federal program offering matching funds for the food and agriculture industry. The program funds a wide range of projects that address barriers, challenges, or opportunities at any stage of the marketing chain including direct, wholesale, and retail. Proposals can involve any size agricultural entity but should potentially benefit multiple producers or agri-businesses.

Eligible categories include livestock, livestock products, food and feed crops, fish, horticulture, viticulture, apiary, and forest products as well as processed or manufactured products derived from such commodities. In the past few years, this program has funded proposals projects in all types of agricultural projects. Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 12. For more information and guidelines for proposals visit www.ams.usda.gov.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via e-mail at cindydenby@house.mi.gov.