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Aderholt Introduces Employee Tuberculosis Screening Bill for Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities

December 13, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today introduced legislation in the House of Representatives that would require an active tuberculosis (TB) screening for any individual seeking employment with meat processing facilities or poultry processing facilities. Anyone determined to have active TB would be prohibited from employment in these facilities under this bill.

“As the recent situations in North Alabama clearly demonstrated TB is a concern in our local poultry processing facilities. While there isn’t a threat to our food supply since TB is transmitted through the air, it is an infectious disease that can be easily transmitted to others,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Everyone deserves a safe work environment and this bill takes steps to help ensure that North Alabama’s meat and poultry processing facilities are as safe as possible from TB.”

The resolution offered by Congressman Aderholt amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require active tuberculosis screening of potential employees. It’s important to note that according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, TB is spread through the air. People cannot get infected with TB bacteria through handshakes, sitting on toilet seats, or sharing dishes and utensils with someone who has TB. It can almost always be treated with medicine.

Congressman Aderholt concluded, “Having active TB shouldn’t limit people from leading a normal life. TB is a treatable disease and once a person is no longer infectious they can do anything, including work in these meat and poultry processing facilities. But they must first prove that they are no longer infectious and a threat to any other employees.”

The bill, H.R. 4543, has not yet been referred to a committee of jurisdiction but that is expected to happen shortly.