Food Safety May Get Serious Overhaul by FDA

The Obama administration has issued a tough warning to all food makers that sloppy manufacturing practices would no longer be tolerated.

The administration signaled that it was substantially changing the way the government oversees food safety.

Food-handling practices that in the past would have resulted in mild warnings may now lead to wide-ranging and expensive recalls before anyone becomes ill.

The agency’s tougher stance was praised by consumer advocates who have long called for the F.D.A. to act before consumers become ill.