Boston.com (Boston Globe)

TITLE: President Obama Radio Address 3/14/09
PUBLISHED: Sat, 14 Mar 2009
DESCRIPTION: President Obama discusses food and drug safety and announces some new appointments.

Automatically Generated Transcript (may not be 100% accurate)

"Often said but I don't believe government has the answer to every problem or that it can do all things brought people. We're a nation built on the strength of individual initiative. But there are certain things that we can't do are. Certain things only government can do. And one of those things is ensuring that the foods we eat and medicines we take -- And don't cause us -- That's the mission of our Food and Drug Administration. And it is -- mission shared fire department of agriculture. And a variety of other agencies and offices at just about every level of government. The men and women who inspect our foods and test the safety of our medicines are chemists and physicians. Veterinarians and pharmacists. It's because of the work they do each and every day that the United States is one of the safest places in the world to buy groceries at supermarket or pills and drug store. Unlike citizens of so many other countries. Americans can trust that there is a strong system in place to ensure that the medications we give our children -- help them get better not make them sick. And that a family -- won't and in a trip to the doctor's office. But in recent years we've seen a number -- problems with the food making its way to our kitchen tables. In 2006 it was contaminated spinach. In 2008. There was Salmonella in peppers and possibly tomatoes. And just this year that peanut products what hundreds of illnesses and cost nine people their lives. A painful reminder of how tragic consequences can be when food producers act responsibly. In government is unable to do its job. Worse these incidents reflect a troubling trend that's seen the average number of outbreaks from contaminated produce. And other foods grow to nearly 350. A year. Up from hundred a year in the early 1990s. Part of the reason is that many of the laws and regulations governing food safety and America have not been updated since they were written in the time Teddy Roosevelt. It's also because our system of inspection and enforcement is spread out so widely among so many people. But it's difficult for different parts of our government to share information work together and solve problems. And it's also because the FDA has been underfunded and understaffed in recent years. Leaving the agency with the resources to inspect to 7000 -- 150000. Food processing plants and warehouses each year. That means roughly 95%. Of them go on inspectors. That's a hazard to public health. It's unacceptable and it won't change under the leadership of doctor Margaret Hamburg while I'm appointed today as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. From her research on infectious disease of the national institutes help. To a work on public health the Department of Health and Human Services. Toward leadership on bio defense at the nuclear threat initiative. Doctor Hamburg brings to this vital position not only reputation and integrity but record of achievement in making America safer and more secure. Doctor Hamburg was one of the youngest people ever elected to the national academy of sciences' institute of medicine. And her two children have had unique distinction of their -- Their birth certificates feature her name twice. Once of their mother and once as New York City health commissioner. In that role doctor hammer brought new life to a demoralized agency. Leading an internationally recognized initiative that cut the tuberculosis rate by nearly half. And overseeing food safety in our nation's largest city. Joining her -- principal deputy commissioner will be doctor Joshua sharp -- As Baltimore's health commissioner doctor sharks team has been recognized as a national leader for his efforts to protect children from unsafe. Over the counter cough and cold medications. -- designed an award winning program to ensure that Americans with disabilities had access to prescription drugs. They're critical work and the critical work of the FDA they lead will be part of a larger effort taken up by -- new food safety working group are creating. This working group will bring together cabinet secretaries and senior officials to advise me on how we can operate our food safety laws for the 21 century. Foster coordination throughout our government and ensure that we are not just designing also keep the American people safe but enforcing. And I expect this group to report back to me with recommendations. As soon as possible. As part of our commitment to public health or Agriculture Department is closing a loophole in the system to ensure that diseased cows don't find their way into the food supply. We're also strengthening our food safety system and modernizing our laps when -- billion dollar investment. A portion of which will go -- significantly increasing the number food inspectors. Helping ensure that the FDA has the staff and support they need to protect the food we eat. In the end food safety is something I takes -- not just as your president but as a parent. Our European products were being contaminated earlier this year I immediately thought of my seven year old daughters Sasha. With peanut butter sandwich -- watched probably three times a week. No parent should have to worry that their child is going to get sick from the launch just has no family should have to worry that the medicines they buyer will cause them harm. Protecting the safety of our food and drugs is one of the most fundamental responsibilities government Harris and with the outstanding team I'm announcing today. His responsibility that I intend to uphold in the months and years to come."