New Haven – During a press conference held in the produce aisle of Edge of the Woods grocery at 379 Whalley Ave, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and store founder Peter Dodge warned that a “summer of outbreaks” is shaking shopper confidence in food safety.

Federal cuts blamed for rising outbreaks

DeLauro cited recent foodborne illness investigations – 47 ongoing nationwide – involving items such as jalapeño peppers, iceberg lettuce, raw cheddar cheese and eggs. She linked the spike to Trump administration reductions in inspection programs at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), noting that roughly 3,500 FDA jobs have been eliminated.

“You can’t do more with less,” DeLauro said. “We need to keep food safe and restore the capacity of these agencies to protect the public.” She added that if Democrats regain control of the House after the upcoming midterms, she will seek to resume her former role as chair of the House Appropriations Committee to prioritize funding for the CDC and FDA.

Local impact on Edge of the Woods

Peter Dodge acknowledged that while Edge of the Woods has not faced direct contamination, the perception of risk has hurt sales. “When the lettuce outbreak happened, our lettuce sales dropped by half,” he said. “Customers hesitate to buy, and that puts us at risk.” He emphasized his trust in local farmers and the importance of fresh, quality produce, even as he cannot guarantee absolute safety.

DeLauro stressed that a strong, stable inspection regime gives people confidence. “We need standards maintained and the ability, above all, to prevent problems before they happen,” she said, noting that such measures provide peace of mind for both the store owner and shoppers.

What this means for New Haven families

For parents and families who rely on local grocery stores for daily meals, the message is clear: federal support for food‑safety agencies is essential to keep shelves stocked with safe, trustworthy products. The Trump administration’s staffing cuts have real‑world consequences for local businesses and the confidence of New Haven’s residents.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.