FDA Proposal Could Mean Safer Imported Foods for Americans

Cinnaminson, NJ, August 13, 2013

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed new rules for the safety oversight of imported foods. The new rules are designed to help prevent problems before imported foods arrive in the United States instead of relying on inspections at ports of entry.

Today, approximately 15% of the food supply in the U.S. is imported. This figure includes 20% of the fresh vegetables and 50% of the fresh fruit consumed in the country. According to the FDA, “The proposed Foreign Supplier Verification and Accredited Third Party Certification rules are the next major steps in implementing the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act signed by President Obama in 2011. The law calls for science-based changes to the food safety system to prevent foodborne illnesses.”

Imported products are required to meet the same standards as domestically produced goods. Foods brought into the country must be safe to eat and produced under sanitary conditions. These products must have proper labeling and contain accurate information in English.

The proposed new rules would make importers more accountable for food safety. Currently, the FDA enforces existing regulations on imported goods and can detain imports that may have been adulterated or misbranded. Products that have been subject to detention may be permitted if acceptable independent laboratory results show that the materials are in compliance with Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C).

One company that has been helping to ensure that foods brought into the United States are safe and meet current regulations is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL has laboratories across the country and we provide food testing and labeling services to both domestic and foreign food manufacturers, importers, retailers, regulators and even the general public,” reported Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As more foods are imported, any steps to ensure the health and safety of the public by preventing exposure to pathogens and other dangerous substances is a benefit for the country.”

To learn more about food testing services, please visit: www.FoodTestingLab.com, www.FDADetain.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com