Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ order reorganizing food-safety programs gained the endorsement of the House Agriculture Committee on Monday.

The order would transfer responsibility for inspecting grocery stores, vending machines, convenience stores, bakeries, food wholesalers and some other businesses from the Department of Health and Environment to the Department of Agriculture.

KDHE would continue to inspect restaurants.

Sebelius’ order takes effect July 1 unless either legislative chamber adopts a resolution by March 15 opposing it.

Rep. Joann Freeborn, R-Concordia, withheld her endorsement, saying she supports the concept but doesn’t know enough about the plan to support it.

That’s not a unique complaint. Two weeks ago, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Derek Schmidt, R-Independence, appointed a three-member subcommittee to study the plan because he didn’t think Sebelius provided enough details.

KDHE estimates it has issued 17,000 to 18,000 food service licenses and that about 4,000 of them would fall under the Department of Agriculture after the reorganization. Some businesses hold more than one license.