Government Unveils New Food Safety Strategies

WASHINGTON, D.C.—HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have announced that “prevention and partnership” will help guide departmental efforts to improve domestic food safety. New strategies focus on prevention and close working relationships with growers, food processors and consumers.

This announcement included several key points, including:

• Praised for three new FDA draft guidances designed to minimize or eliminate contamination in leafy greens, tomatoes and melons (currently open for comments);
• USDA-FSIS guidance for inspectors to begin conducting routine sampling of bench trim for E. coli;
• A call to consumers to remember their role in helping ensure food safety.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg noted that the draft guidances represent a shift in FDA strategy toward prevention instead of reaction.

Sources:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: “Secretary Sebelius, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announce New Strategies to Keep America’s Food Supply Safe”