Washington - Chairman Edolphus "Ed" Towns (D-NY) today announced that he introduced H.R. 5740, legislation that will give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandatory recall powers. Chairman Towns announced his intent to introduce the legislation during a committee hearing in May that examined the circumstances surrounding Johnson & Johnson's recall of children's medication.
The legislation, which amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), gives the FDA the authority to demand a recall when there is indication that a drug has been adulterated, misbranded, or exposure to a drug may cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans and animals.
"With this legislation, the FDA will be able to carry out their mission of enforcing the safety of medicines and ensuring the health of the American people," said Chairman Towns. "Too often, the FDA has been in the position of having to persuade companies to recall suspect products. Now the FDA will have the full authority to pull contaminated medication from the market when necessary."
H.R. 5740 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.