Tom Philpott is the senior food and agriculture writer at Grist. The Food Safety Modernization Act is set for a Senate vote soon. Tom Philpott's post explains why this bill has bounced around both houses. The bill allows the FDA to initiate food recalls and allows them broader oversight over the food supply.
The Healthy, Hunger Free-Kids Act was signed by President Obama earlier this week. The bill was funded, in part by cuts in the food stamp budget, a point that has angered many people. Under the bill, the USDA can set nutritional standards for all food sold in public schools. More info on the bill here. Watch Obama sign the bill here.