Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., is asking USDA for additional information on the agency’s oversight of operations at the JBS Tolleson

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., is asking USDA for additional information on the agency’s oversight of operations at the JBS Tolleson beef packing plant in light of this week’s expansion of a ground beef recall. DeLauro, a ranking member of the House Committee on Appropriations, sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue asking for “complete Salmonella testing results from the plant in question during the 52 weeks prior to the outbreak,” which was first reported in October. DeLauro noted in the letter that 246 people across 25 states were sickened during the outbreak of Salmonella Newport, resulting in the hospitalization of nearly 60 people. DeLauro said her request is consistent with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Directive 1400.1, which permits the release of agency records to external entities. The recall expansion now includes nearly 12.1 million pounds of raw, non-intact beef that was shipped from the JBS plant in Tolleson, Arizona, to retail locations and institutions across the country. The FSIS recall notice said the investigation is ongoing and may also eventually include additional product from other companies.