E. coli as an Adulterant
Bill Marler has been a strong advocate for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to classify E. coli O157:H7 as an adulterant. This classification designates ground beef contaminated with this pathogen as unsafe for human consumption, making it illegal to sell. His efforts have contributed to a wider movement that includes food safety advocates, scientists, and public health officials, all pushing for regulatory changes. This advocacy led to the USDA's 1994 and 2011 decisions to formally declare E. coli O157:H7 and certain other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains as adulterants in ground beef, which strengthened food safety regulations and practices.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recognized E. coli O157:H7 and other STEC strains as adulterants in raw ground beef in both 1994 and 2011. This landmark decision empowered regulatory agencies to act against contaminated products before they reach consumers. Bill Marler’s efforts, alongside those of many advocates and public health officials, have been crucial in raising awareness about the dangers of E. coli and in promoting policies that enhance food safety and protect public health.
Salmonella as an Adulterant
In 2019, Marler's firm, Marler Clark, in collaboration with other food safety advocates, filed a legal petition with the USDA's FSIS to have Salmonella classified as an adulterant in raw poultry products. The petition argued that Salmonella contamination poses a significant health risk, necessitating that contaminated products be considered unsafe for consumption. Marler has worked with various food safety organizations and public health advocates to push for stronger regulations regarding Salmonella in chicken. This coalition has focused on garnering support for the petition and raising awareness of food safety issues.
While the petition for classifying Salmonella as an adulterant has not yet led to formal regulatory changes by the USDA, Marler’s advocacy has sparked important discussions within the agency and among policymakers about food safety regulations. His emphasis on a proactive approach to preventing foodborne illnesses, rather than relying solely on reactive measures after outbreaks, has been a significant aspect of his arguments. Marler's ongoing efforts influence the dialogue surrounding foodborne illness prevention and highlight the responsibilities of food producers in ensuring the safety of their products. His work exemplifies how legal advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with stakeholders can drive improvements in food safety standards and protect public health.
Hepatitis A Vaccines
Bill Marler has leveraged his role as a food safety attorney to raise awareness about the risks associated with hepatitis A, particularly in food service settings. He underscores the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure to safeguard both food workers and the public. Marler has actively engaged in educating food service workers, employers, and the public about hepatitis A, its transmission, and the advantages of vaccination. He has been vocal about the necessity of ensuring that food service employees are vaccinated to reduce the risk of outbreaks.
In collaboration with public health officials and organizations, Marler has promoted vaccination campaigns. His advocacy aligns with public health initiatives aimed at increasing vaccination rates among food service workers, especially during outbreaks or times of heightened incidence of hepatitis A. Marler's commitment to improving food safety standards and ensuring a safe food supply for consumers is reflected in his efforts to advocate for hepatitis A vaccination. His work continues to influence policies and practices designed to mitigate the risks associated with foodborne pathogens.
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
Bill Marler played a significant role in advocating for food safety reforms that culminated in the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in 2011. His contributions to this landmark legislation focused on enhancing food safety standards and ensuring a safer U.S. food supply for consumers.
One of Marler's key advocacy points was promoting a shift from a reactive approach to food safety—one that primarily responded to outbreaks—to a proactive strategy emphasizing prevention and risk-based standards. This shift served as a central theme of the FSMA. Through public speaking engagements, articles, and media appearances, Marler educated lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and the public about the dangers of foodborne illnesses and the need for comprehensive food safety reforms, using his insights and experiences to inform discussions surrounding the legislation.
Marler also provided testimony during congressional hearings and meetings, advocating for stronger food safety measures. He highlighted the real-world impact of foodborne illnesses on individuals and families, making a compelling case for legislative action. The FSMA represents a significant overhaul of the U.S. food safety system, prioritizing the prevention of foodborne illnesses over merely responding to outbreaks.
Bill Marler's advocacy was instrumental in raising awareness of and promoting the necessity for the Food Safety Modernization Act. His efforts have contributed to a more robust food safety framework in the United States, aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses and protecting public health. Marler's work continues to influence food safety policies and practices, ensuring that the food supply is safe for consumers.