Consumers deserve accurate information  

 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) wrote House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings urging them to conduct an investigation into recent claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef (LFTB).

 

A series of recent stories on ABC News about LFTB were critical of companies like Beef Products, Inc. (BPI). Other public figures like celebrity chef Jamie Oliver have perpetuated the criticisms of LFTB. Following these reports hundreds of workers were laid off including over 200 workers from BPI's Waterloo, Iowa facility.

 

"As a father of three, I share every parent's concern about what their kids eat. We need to know that the food we're feeding our families is safe and nutritious. And as consumers we deserve to have accurate information.

 

"It's important that we investigate the claims made against lean, finely textured beef and do so scientifically to ensure that consumers have accurate information on this and other products."

 

Braley has called for those on all sides of the issue to participate in this hearing including the appropriate producers from ABC News, recognized food safety experts, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and workers from BPI.

 

Text of Braley's letter is below; a copy of Braley's letter can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/yXV

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April 20, 2012

 

The Honorable Darrell Issa                          

Chairman                      

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform                        

2157 Rayburn HOB                           

Washington, DC  20515                         

 

The Honorable Elijah Cummings

Ranking Member

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

2471 Rayburn HOB

Washington, DC  20515

 

Dear Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings:

As you know, there has been significant controversy surrounding claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef (LFTB).  The public discussion regarding LFTB followed a series of reports on ABC News which were critical of companies such as Beef Products, Inc. (BPI).  In addition to ABC News, other public figures, such as celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, have perpetuated the criticisms of LFTB.  Following these reports hundreds of workers were laid off including over 200 workers from BPI's Waterloo, Iowa facility.

I strongly urge the Committee to conduct hearings and investigate these recent claims. I encourage the Committee to invite all sides to participate in this hearing including, but not limited to, the appropriate producers from ABC News, recognized food safety experts, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and workers from BPI.  Our constituents deserve accurate information about the products they consume and BPI's workers deserve an opportunity to answer their critics.

As a father of three, I share every parent's concern about what their kids eat. Food choices must be made based on nutrition and safety and consumers are right to demand that their food supply is safe. I look forward to working with you on this important issue so that accurate information is available to consumers for this and other foods. Thanks again.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Bruce Braley

Member of Congress

 

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