A federal task force appointed last year by President George W Bush to review US food security has unveiled a raft of recommendations to improve the safety of imported food.
The Interagency Working Group on Import Food Safety’s report, entitled “Import Safety – Action Plan Update”, highlights meetings between US and Central American officials to discuss ways to guarantee the safety of foods moving between the countries and similar talks held with the Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian authorities.
The review coincides with the publication of the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Protection Progress Report, part of the Food Protection Plan announced in November 2007. The FDA recommendations include more inspections in domestic fields and at border points of entry, and increased staff and resources for the FDA. The agency also said it has launched a rapid detection method for E.coli and salmonella and is working with industry officials to identify best practices for traceability.
The agency seeking additional funding for state rapid response teams to respond to outbreaks foodborne illnesses. It also plans to carry out 20,000 more food import field inspections next year and plans to hire 130 extra staff to achieve this goal.
The Produce Marketing Association has reacted positively to the new strategies, claiming the industry would benefit from more rapid and widespread testing.
“The PMA has always maintained that the FDA needs additional resources to do its work, and FDA has important work to do,” said the PMA’s vice president of government relations Kathy Means. “A lot is expected of the FDA and it needs the resources so it can fulfil those obligations.”
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