Majority Whip Nick Santucci Introduces Resolution Urging U.S. Congress to Investigate Food Source Regulators

COLUMBUS— Majority Whip Nick Santucci (R-Niles) has introduced a resolution supporting a congressional investigation into the agencies that regulate American food sources.

The resolution referenced a number of data points that demonstrate the overall decline of health in the American people, including the following:

• Obesity rates have spiked: According to the CDC, at least 20% of adults in each U.S. state have obesity, with Ohio being one of 23 states where 35% of adults are affected. Before 2013, no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%.[1] In 2023, more than 1 in 3 young adults was too heavy to serve in the military.
• Cancer rates are alarmingly high: In 2021, there were 1,777,566 new cancer cases reported in the United States, with 608,366 cancer-related deaths in 2022.
• The number of children with Autism continues to rise: According to CDC estimates, about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“As state representatives, we have a duty to our constituents to ensure their health is not jeopardized by allowing the poisoning of our food to continue,” Santucci said. “Greatness in Ohio and the country begins with the health and safety of the people. I urge Congress to thoroughly investigate the FDA's oversight of our food sources. It's imperative that we ensure the safety and health of our citizens by eliminating harmful additives and preventing food contamination. Our communities deserve transparency and accountability in the food we consume.”

The legislation referred to the widespread presence of toxins and chemicals in American food products as a potential cause of these negative health trends, and urges Congress to take action by investigating the FDA, the Department of Health, and other agencies that regulate American food sources.