Addressing the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Thursday Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg vehemently endorsed the legislation that would bring about a comprehensive overhaul in the agency's functioning, thereby giving it new tools to perk up food safety.

Noting that the proposed measure would need more funding and greater authority, Hamburg said that the changes essentially spell a complete make over for the FDA - from an agency that basically counters outbreaks of food-borne infirmity, to the one that can prevent the outbreaks of illnesses by setting new quality standards, increasing scrutiny and necessitating better record- keeping by food producers.

Adding that the FDA would need a substantial addition to its workforce and its computer systems, Hamburg clarified: "Our mandate and responsibilities have far outstripped our resources. We are concerned that the bill does not provide a guaranteed consistent funding source to help FDA fulfill its new responsibilities."

Reiterating her strong stand for the changes, Hamburg still said that even if the proposed legislation does not come through, she intends appointing 350 new employees for the food program of the FDA, with 125 employees to be added only for the purpose of field inspections.

In addition, Hamburg also said that the FDA would conduct 2,000 more inspections in 2010, bringing the total to 9,000.