As a legislator, I know there are a few things nearly everyone can agree on in this world, and fried chicken is most definitely one of them. It almost takes precedence over bacon. Almost.
Although the tastiness of fried chicken is not up for debate, proper handling of locally sourced, farm-fresh poultry sold to restaurants, schools and nursing homes is being examined by lawmakers.
As the popularity of purchasing and serving locally sourced food grows – which is a good thing – state policies must be updated in order to make sure our food continues to be safe. If enacted into law, House Bill 1267 would require state inspection of all poultry served in food establishments. This measure would enhance food safety for consumers because poultry, when improperly inspected, has the potential to cause food-borne illness in humans.
Improperly inspected poultry also speeds up the spread of diseases in birds, particularly the avian flu, which has recently emerged in Indiana. Inspections could help stop the transmission of these types of infections and result in earlier detection.
It’s important to protect Hoosiers from disease spread by food that is improperly prepared or not sufficiently inspected, because when it comes to public health, we can’t afford to wing it. This bill is now being considered by the Senate. I welcome your feedback and ideas. Please contact me at (317) 232-9833 or email h75@iga.in.gov. To follow this bill, visit www.iga.in.gov.
