As federal health officials continue searching for the source of a foodborne parasite outbreak that has sickened thousands of people, including dozens in New Jersey, Rep. Josh Gottheimer is calling for stronger food safety protections.

On Monday, Gottheimer announced the Foodborne Illness Rapid Response Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting critical CDC food safety staff and restoring the agency’s FoodNet program, which tracks foodborne illnesses and identifies outbreaks.

The congressman also said he is sending an urgent letter to the CDC urging the agency to fully restore FoodNet’s pathogen tracking capabilities to help identify the source of outbreaks more quickly.

Health officials say symptoms typically appear around a week after exposure and can include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Anyone whose symptoms worsen is urged to contact their doctor.