Eleven organizations that work closely with the Food and Drug Administration are asking bipartisan congressional leaders to work together on “some of the most pressing food safety issues this year.”
Eleven contributors to congressional leaders include:
– Steven Mandernak, Executive Director, Association of Food and Drug Professionals
–Donna Garren, Executive Vice President, Science and Policy, American Frozen Food Association –Jeffrey O. Ekoma, Association of State and Territory Health Officials
–Roberta Wagner, Vice President, Regulatory and Technology, Consumer Brands Division
–Thomas Gremillion, Director of Food Policy, Consumers Federation of America
– Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy, Consumer Reports
– Robert Günther, Chief Public Policy Officer, International Perishables Association
–Ted McKinney, Chief Executive Officer, Department of Agriculture, All-U.S. Department of State
–Doug Farquhar, Director of Government Affairs, National Association for Environmental Health –Mitzi D. Baum, CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness
–DeAnn Davis, Senior Vice President of Science, Western Producer
In a letter to leaders of key parliamentary committees, the 11 countries “called for bipartisan efforts to address several pressing food safety issues this year. The infant formula crisis and the Reagan Udall Foundation An operational review of the FDA Human Food Program has led the FDA to propose a restructuring of the Human Food Program,” they wrote.
“While many of the proposed changes would strengthen FDA’s ability to ensure the safety of the food supply, Congress is seeking to modernize the Human Food Program and bring clarity and certainty to FDA’s budget. There are several steps you can take.
“For example, state and local food safety agencies frequently work with FDA in conducting inspections of food processing, agricultural products, and retail. In addition, FDA often requires the use of state authorities to expedite product recalls, withdrawals, closures, embargoes, and similar actions. increase.”
The joint letter reads: “Information sharing is critical to the success of this effort. Historically, state and local agencies have had good working relationships with FDA in this regard and have often worked together in the best interest of public health.” However, in recent years, the FDA’s chief adviser’s interpretation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) has hampered this cooperation.
The report said state officials were asked by the FDA to conduct a critical food safety investigation, but only the critical details necessary to conduct the investigation were redacted. State agencies have also been asked to take immediate regulatory action against facilities based on FDA inspections, but have not been provided with sufficient information to take the necessary action under state law.
Specifically, the letter included items in the FDA’s budget allocation detailing specific funding for state and local food safety issues “to ensure the budgetary certainty needed to carry out its work.” I am asking for it to be included in parliament.
An amendment to the FFDCA that would allow the FDA to share critically sensitive information with state and local regulators was listed as an urgent recommendation for Congress to consider in the Reagan-Udall Foundation’s evaluation of food programs. The change would allow public health officials to take the necessary steps to prevent food poisoning, which sickens an estimated 46 million Americans and results in lost productivity, costing $90 billion annually. It is estimated that 100,000 medical expenses will be incurred.
Another step Congress should take is to extend the duration of cooperation agreements to increase the effectiveness of FDA’s work and achieve the goals of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Stated. State and local food safety organizations leverage cooperative agreements to perform critical food safety functions, including inspections, training, and educational initiatives. The duration of these agreements is currently limited to three years, undermining their effectiveness and placing unnecessary burdens on both state and local agencies and the FDA that must review and approve applications. ”
Agencies are increasingly realizing that by the time cooperation agreements are signed, it is time to begin the lengthy process of reapplying. Moreover, when uncertainty is so high, it is difficult to attract and retain qualified staff to implement these cooperation agreements.
The letter notes that extending the duration of cooperation agreements from three to five years will provide more continuity and provide more opportunities for government agencies to assess the effectiveness of individual cooperation agreements while improving overall cooperation agreements. data can be provided.
“Finally, given the important work performed by state and local food safety agencies, it is extremely important to ensure the budgetary certainty necessary to effectively carry out that work,” the report said. said. Increased funding since FSMA passage has greatly enhanced the ability of state and local agencies to fulfill their food safety missions, while FDA will use funding for state and local agencies to pursue other priorities too much to do. Cutbacks in several domestic inspections and last-minute changes in budgetary resources are making long-term planning and resource management difficult for state and local governments. A consistent and predictable funding mechanism is required. ”
The letter was delivered late last week to the chairs and ranks of both the Appropriations Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee.
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