Yesterday, September 8, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced the new electronic database where food manufacturers must notify the government of a potential containment or pathogen outbreak, or any other situation that might cause harm to human health, within a 24 hour time period. The goal of the new rule issued by the FDA is to speed up regulators' response to food safety problems.
According to the article by the Associated Press, regulators are hopeful that this new database will help prevent future widespread illness outbreaks from contaminated food products. The rule also will direct inspectors to investigate “plants that pose a high safety concern.” Michael Taylor, a senior advisor to the FDA commissioner, told the AP, “[t]his is intended to inform us of contamination problems before people get sick.” The database was created through a 2007 law that passed “after Congress criticized the FDA for its handling of safety problems with a range of foods and drugs.”
This year alone has seen numerous food products recalled because they have been contaminated with salmonella, E.coli, and other potentially harmful pathogens. Currently, companies voluntarily submit reports about possible contamination. Recalls issued by food processors are also voluntary. However, under the new law reporting a possible contamination becomes a “duty that all food facilities have,” Taylor said.
All U.S. facilities registered with the FDA to pack, process, or hold foods must follow the new reporting requirements. Makers of infant formula and dietary supplements have separate reporting requirements they must follow.
As the U.S. Agricultural & Food Law and Policy Blog previously posted, the National Grain and Feed Association, the National Oilseed Processors Association, and the Pet Food Institute had joined together in asking the FDA to delay the implementation of the new reporting requirements. It appears as though their request was denied.
To read the previous blog post on the reporting requirements click here.
To read more about food safety news and issues in general, click here.
To read the Associated Press article click here.
Posted: 09/09/09
