Boston lettuce. (Photo by photofarmer via Flickr)

The bill, which now awaits President Obama's signature, will give the F.D.A the power to prevent the outbreaks of food-borne illness. In the past, they have only been able to react after an outbreak occurs.

But new rules will need to be written, which could take months, before the F.D.A. can begin enforcing many of the bill's provisions. The agency will be able mandate recalls immediately. Previously, the F.D.A. only had the authority to request a recall.

This summer the House passed a heftier version of the bill, and then last month the Senate finally approved its version. The Senate had tax measures added to the bill, which the Constitution says must come from the House.

On Sunday, the Senate passed a new version, which took out the tax language, paving the way for its approval by the House.

The final House vote was 215 to 144.

Read more about the bill here.