WASHINGTON, DC–In response to reports of an antibiotic-resistant strain of salmonella that has sickened at least 77 people nationwide, including 5 in Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent letters to President Obama and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urging them to increase coordination among agencies and keep inspectors on the job.

“Because it is my priority to protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians, I believe that we must keep food safety inspectors doing their jobs,” Senator Casey wrote. “While seeking to better control our economy, we cannot lose control over the safety of our national food supply. We need to give Americans peace of mind that the foods they eat and give to their families are safe to consume. ”

Senator Casey requested an update on the status of enhancing the foodborne illness surveillance network, action required by the Food Safety Modernization Act signed into law earlier this year. Over 300,000 Americans are sent to the hospital for cases of foodborne illness each year, Senator Casey wrote, underscoring the need for improved coordination and continued inspections.

Versions of Senator Casey’s letter to Secretary Sebelius were also sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture