US increases scrutiny on imported foods

The US is considering an imported food action plan that will drastically increase scrutiny on imported food quality, by shifting the onus of quality assurance onto the shoulders of the companies importing the produce.

Cal Dooley, president and CEO of the American Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), yesterday unveiled "Commitment to Consumers: The Four Pillars of Food Safety'.

If accepted, the proposal will require all importers to adopt a foreign supplier quality assurance program and verify that imported ingredients and products meet US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety and quality requirements.

The program would be based on FDA guidance and industry best practices, and would be monitored and enforced by the FDA.

"Because we cannot simply inspect our way to a safer food supply, industry can apply its vast knowledge and practical experience along the entire supply chain to prevent problems before they arise," said Dooley.

"And, under our proposal, a fortified FDA will be right there with us, side by side, to make sure we do it right."

The proposal outlines a program that would allow food importers to qualify their products as lower risk by sharing test results, data and supply chain information with the FDA in a confidential manner.

Qualifying products and ingredients would receive expedited treatment at the borders, allowing the FDA to train its resources on products that carry greater risk of contamination.

The proposal also seeks to expand the capacity of the FDA, by providing the Agency with increased resources to "get the job done'.