Archive for the ‘Food Safety Regulations’ Category

Food safety regulations are governed by a system that is based on flexible science-based laws as well as industry’s legal responsibility to produce safe foods. These regulations are upheld thanks to the co-ordinated efforts of federal regulatory authorities working together in an integrated effort.

The federal authorities responsible for providing consumer protection are the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Department of Treasury’s Customs Service also assists by checking and detaining imports based on the guidance they are provided.

The safety of the U.S. food supply is ensured through the work of the three branches of U.S. government — legislative, executive, and judicial. Statutes are enacted by congress that are designed to ensure the safety of the food supply and that establish the nation’s level of protection. The implementation of the statutes is the responsibility of the executive branch departments and agencies which may be done by promulgating regulations. Characteristics of the U.S. food safety system are the separation of powers and science-based decision-making. Agency decisions under U.S. food safety laws can be appealed to the courts which are empowered to settle such disputes.

Regulations are developed and revised in a public process that not only allows, but encourages, participation by the regulated industry, consumers, and other stakeholders throughout the development and promulgation of a regulation. In developing new regulations and revising existing regulations, the agencies often provide the public a preliminary discussion and opportunity for comment by publishing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). It lays out the issues, presents the agency’s suggested resolution, and solicits alternative solutions.

The general food safety regulations laid out by the FDA covers the following sectors: General Labeling Requirements; Imports and Exports; Registration of Food Facilities; Prior Notice of Imported Food; Establishment, Maintenance and Availability of Records; Administrative Detention of Food For Human or Animal Consumption.