January 28, 2000

FDA is leading an effort to improve coordination and communication among public health and food regulatory officials at all levels of government, particularly around foodborne illness outbreaks. Known as the National Food Safety System (NFSS), this project will contribute significantly to more effective implementation of existing food safety programs.

Work began in September 1998 when FDA hosted a meeting of food safety officials from Federal agencies and agencies in all 50 states. This meeting produced a broad consensus on the need to integrate food safety activities at all levels of government. Workgroups were formed with Federal, state and local officials from health, agriculture and environmental agencies. Under the guidance of a diverse, multi-level, multi-agency coordinating committee, the workgroups were tasks with generating ideas for action that would promote an integrated food safety system.

In 1999, the workgroups developed numerous innovative ideas and provided invaluable assistance on a number of Federal projects consistent with the Federal agencies' FY 99 plans, authorities and appropriations. The development of guidelines for coordinating multi-state foodborne outbreaks and tracebackback investigations and the development of standards for sampling, testing methods and data exchange for E. coli 0157:H7 are two examples of such projects.

On January 18 and 20, members of the Coordinating Committee, chaired by Janice Oliver, Deputy Director of CFSAN, met in Washington, D.C. to review the 1999 accomplishments and to begin discussions on activities for 2000. During this meeting the Coordinating Committee decided to change its name to the National Food Safety System Steering Committee. The Committee felt that its role was more in line with guiding the workgroups and not coordinating the work of the groups.

The Steering Committee will ensure that the 2000 activities are consistent with and contribute to the goals, objectives and action items in the President's Council on Food Safety Strategic Plan.

Food Safety Initiative Staff E-mail: cah@vm.cfsan.fda.gov

Office Number: (202) 260-8920 · FAX (202) 260-9653 CFSAN Web site: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/