Food-Safety Bill Clears Senate Hurdle

WASHINGTON—The Senate gave the go-ahead Wednesday to a bill that empowers the Food and Drug Administration to order food recalls, raising the chance that it will become law by the end of the year.

The Senate, in a 74-25 vote, agreed to limit debate on the bill, and Sen. Jon Tester (D., Mont.) said he expects a final vote by Thursday.

The bill would give the FDA more authority, including ordering recalls, keeping better track of fruit and vegetable shipments and setting standards for food manufacturers.

It has won broad support from grocery stores, large food producers and other industry groups as well as consumer groups, but some small farmers say the extra regulations will put them at a disadvantage.

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