FOOD SAFETY: ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS AND FEDERAL POLICY OPTIONS

A myriad of local, state, and federal laws and regulations exist with the intent to assure consumers a "safe" food supply. This paper addresses some of the economic aspects of federal food safety laws and regulations. A brief summary of federal food safety legislation and programs is offered, with some assessment of issues which impact on the performance of these programs. Finally, broad alternatives to current federal programs are enumerated along with each alternative's potential consequences in economic terms.