[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 15 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E178-E179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO STOP OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA

                                 ______


                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 1996

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Safe 
Tables Our Priority [STOP]. STOP is a national coalition organized by 
families and friends who have lost loved ones to serious illness due to 
the contamination of ground beef with E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria. The 
coalition has been dedicated to educating the public and legislators 
about this deadly bacteria.
  Americans became painfully aware of the dangers associated with the 
consumption of raw meat products upon an outbreak of the E. coli 
bacteria 3 years ago. This outbreak, which occurred on the west coast, 
infected 600 people and killed 4 children. Following this tragedy, STOP 
began actively working to change the system in order to make sure 
others did not suffer from this deadly bacteria. Their journey brought 
them to Capitol Hill to work with Members of Congress to reduce this E. 
coli hazard, and educate Americans on the safe handling of foods.
  I commend the efforts of STOP in their work on the Family Food 
Protection Act, H.R. 1423, of which I am a cosponsor. This legislation 
amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products 
Inspection Act to improve public health and safety through reduction in 
harmful contaminants in meat and poultry. 

[[Page E179]]
When the Center for Disease Control estimates that 500 deaths and 
20,000 illnesses are attributed to E. coli each year, legislation such 
as this will help protect the health of Americans.
  STOP has also been very active in the agriculture appropriations 
process. Most recently, I worked on their behalf to ensure that there 
would not be a delay of the USDA's implementation of safeguards and 
standards to improve meat inspection. Because of their efforts, 
additional public hearings will be held to consider the views of all 
interested parties throughout the rule-making process.
  Once again, I thank each member of STOP. I encourage my colleagues in 
Congress to follow their lead in the fight against the E. coli 
bacteria, and for better food safety.

                          ____________________