The Food and Drug Administration continues to expand its efforts to make sure that food is safe both at home and abroad.
To that end, the organization has announced June 19 as the date of a Washington D.C. meeting called International Capacity Building with Respect to Food Safety. Persons involved in the daylong meeting will be able to offer their comments and opinions on how this portion of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The FDA is hoping that the forum can be used to get ideas on how to improve regulatory, scientific, and technical policy so as to make products safer in those countries that export food to the United States.
Right now, the plan calls for six different elements that must all be addressed in some capacity, hence the need for the meeting. First, it must be decided what sorts of agreements and stipulations must be made between nations to ensure that food safety standards are met. Then, there must be a way for countries to safely share computer data. Inspection reports must be recognized on both sides, and government officials and food producers must be trained on food production and handling procedures.
In addition, countries will have to accept cross-border testing techniques so as to ensure what passes muster in one country would do so in another. Requirements will also need to be standard under what is known as the Codex Alimentarius.
A number of products that end up being recalled on American shores actually come from China, which is why I was glad to see steps taken to reduce safety hazards in our partner country overseas.
The Food and Drug Administration is increasing its efforts to train Chinese regulators in conducting safety inspections at manufacturing plants and on improving safety measures across the board. In 2008, the FDA established a 13 person office in the city of Beijing, and since then, they have worked closely with Chinese officials to ensure that products released in both countries are considered fit for consumption.
In September, the FDA conducted a workshop meant to show how the United States approaches inspections. Much of the focus was placed on how to evaluate machinery maintenance, labeling, and item packaging specifications. A mock investigation was held so that Chinese regulators could get a bird’s-eye view of inspection proceedings.
The increased partnership is a direct result of a number of health scares in 2007 and 2008 caused by items made in China. Numerous countries were rocked by contaminations in products as varied as blood thinners, pet food, toothpaste, seafood, and baby food. In 2011, 24 million import shipments of various goods arrived in the US, making solving such safety issues a priority.
I’m glad to see global partnership as a Fresno personal injury lawyer. These types of close relationships are beneficial to all involved, and if it can save even one life, then I’m quite pleased as a personal injury attorney in San Diego.
According to news sources, a recall has been issued for Pine Ridge BBQ, Pine Ridge Jalapeno BBQ, and respective dipping sauces due to the products containing an undeclared anchovy allergen, which can cause severe or even life-threatening allergic reaction if consumed by people allergic to anchovies.
The company, Herbadashery LLC, announced the recall after a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection reportedly revealed the presence of anchovy, which was not stated on the product labeling. The recalled products have lot numbers ranging between 10111 through 90111 and come in either 18 oz. or 34 oz plastic or glass bottle containers.
There have been no illnesses reported to date.
Consumers with the recalled products should contact the company at 1-307-265-0036 or return the products to the place of purchase.
As a Long Beach personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen recalls of this kind in the past and understand the risks they entail for unsuspecting consumers. I hope that by supplying this information consumers will have an opportunity to learn more about this recalled product . If you or a loved one has been injured through the use or consumption of a defective product, speak with a personal injury attorney Long Beach to learn about the legal options available to you.
