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Secretary Leavitt talks about the collaborative effort to improve import safeguards. America has the safest food supply in the world, but to keep it - and all products - safe, we must continually improve import vigilance.

Play the video for additional information. (Captioned Video | Transcript of video)

Secretary Leavitt and members of the Working Group traveled the nation to gather information for the Action Plan for Import Safety and the Strategic Framework.  Secretary Leavitt continues his outreach to discuss the finding and recommendations.

  

Washington DC
(6-24-2008)
United States and Viet Nam Sign Agreement on the Safety of Food, Medical Products More>>

United States and Viet Nam Sign Agreement on the Safety of Food, Medical Products
  

Mexico and Central America
(6-23-2008)
HHS Secretary Travels To México And Central America To Advance Product-Safety Efforts; Multinational Summit on Product Safety, Visit to Regional Health-Care Training Center in Panamá and Review of U.S.S. Boxer Mission in El Salvador also planned  More>> 

HHS Secretary Travels To México And Central America To Advance Product-Safety Efforts; Multinational Summit on Product Safety, Visit to Regional Health-Care Training Center in Panamá and Review of U.S.S. Boxer Mission in El Salvador also planned
  

China
(5-20-2008)
Secretary Leavitt spends a week in the People’s Republic of China where he joins officials from the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, tours the Port of Shanghai, and speaks with vendors, suppliers, and executives of the Target Corporation. More>> Photo Gallery>>

Secretary Leavitt spends a week in the People’s Republic of China where he joins officials from the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, tours the Port of Shanghai, and speaks with vendors, suppliers, and executives of the Target Corporation.
  

Vietnam
(4-22-2008)
Secretary Leavitt tours the port of Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about the Vietnamese efforts on product safety.

Secretary Leavitt tours the port of Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about the Vietnamese efforts on product safety.
  

India
(1-9-2008)
HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt refers to a shipping container full of spices destined for the United States during a visit to AVT McCormick Ingredients, Private Limited, in Cochin, India.

HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt refers to a shipping container full of spices destined for the United States during a visit to AVT McCormick Ingredients, Private Limited, in Cochin, India.
  

India
(1-9-2008)
HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt tours the Port of Cochin in Kerala State with Indian port officials. He is joined by the Commissioner of the HHS Food and Drug Administration, the Honorable Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D., and U.S. Consul General David Hopper.

HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt tours the Port of Cochin in Kerala State with Indian port officials. He is joined by the Commissioner of the HHS Food and Drug Administration, the Honorable Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D., and U.S. Consul General David Hopper.
  

India
(1-7-2008 - 1-11-2008)
Secretary Leavitt travels to India where he and the Commissioner of the HHS Food and Drug Administration, the Honorable Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D., paid a series of visits to senior Indian Government officials to emphasize the theme of product safety. Blog Entry>>

Secretary Leavitt travels to India where he and the Commissioner of the HHS Food and Drug Administration, the Honorable Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D., paid a series of visits to senior Indian Government officials to emphasize the theme of product safety.
  

San Diego, CA
(11-27-2007)
Secretary Leavitt visits the Port of Otay Mesa commercial border crossing in San Diego. He examined various items at the port including toys, as well as items that were seized such as mascara with an ingredient that can cause blindness and pottery decorated with lead paint.

Secretary Leavitt visits the Port of Otay Mesa commercial border crossing in San Diego. He examined various items at the port including toys, as well as items that were seized such as mascara with an ingredient that can cause blindness and pottery decorated with lead paint.
  

Los Angeles, CA
(11-26-07)
Secretary Leavitt tours a Toys“R”Us store outside of Los Angeles.

Secretary Leavitt tours a Toys“R”Us store outside of Los Angeles.
  

Houston, TX
(11-21-07)
At the Port of Houston, Secretary Leavitt discusses the Import Safety Action Plan after a tour of the port on the Houston Pilots Boat to observe cargo ships docked at Barbour’s Cut. Officials from CBP demonstrated a VACIS machine that uses gamma ray technology to view cargo, and FDA officials discussed a number of confiscated products seized at the port. The port is a 25-mile-long complex called on by more than 7,000 vessels each year.

At the Port of Houston, Secretary Leavitt discusses the Import Safety Action Plan after a tour of the port on the Houston Pilots Boat to observe cargo ships docked at Barbour’s Cut. Officials from CBP demonstrated a VACIS machine that uses gamma ray technology to view cargo, and FDA officials discussed a number of confiscated products seized at the port. The port is a 25-mile-long complex called on by more than 7,000 vessels each year.
  

Denver, CO
(11-21-07)
At the Seattle Fish Company in Denver, Secretary Leavitt visits tours the seafood distributor and visits with employees who handle imported products from countries across the world.

At the Seattle Fish Company in Denver, Secretary Leavitt visits tours the seafood distributor and visits with employees who handle imported products from countries across the world.
  

Detroit, Michigan
(11-20-07)
At a stop at a Meijer Retail Store outside of Detroit, Secretary Leavitt answers questions about how recommendations in the Action Plan will better product consumers. This Meijer store carries nearly 100,000 products, many that are imported.

At a stop at a Meijer Retail Store outside of Detroit, Secretary Leavitt answers questions about how recommendations in the Action Plan will better product consumers. This Meijer store carries nearly 100,000 products, many that are imported.
  

Chicago, IL
(11-20-07)
Secretary Leavitt tours the Chicago International Produce Market, the city’s largest fresh market. During his visit, he met with employees at Strube Celery & Vegetable to discuss how to enhance the safety of imported food.

Secretary Leavitt tours the Chicago International Produce Market, the city’s largest fresh market. During his visit, he met with employees at Strube Celery & Vegetable to discuss how to enhance the safety of imported food.
  

Pittsburgh , PA
(11-19-07)
While in Pittsburgh, Secretary Leavitt visited a Giant Eagle grocery store to discuss recommendations in the Action Plan to enhance the safety of imported products.

While in Pittsburgh, Secretary Leavitt visited a Giant Eagle grocery store to discuss recommendations in the Action Plan to enhance the safety of imported products.
  

Philadelphia, PA
(11-19-07)
Secretary Leavitt tours the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, where he visits with a merchant who sells imported seafood. Foreign products are sold throughout the market.

Secretary Leavitt tours the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, where he visits with a merchant who sells imported seafood. Foreign products are sold throughout the market.
  

New York City , NY
(11-19-07)
Secretary Leavitt tours Toys“R”Us Times Square in New York City to discuss recommendations in the Action Plan that can enhance the safety of toys imported from abroad. He is joined by representatives from the store, as well as Julie Vallese, Director of Information and Public Affairs at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Secretary Leavitt tours Toys“R”Us Times Square in New York City to discuss recommendations in the Action Plan that can enhance the safety of toys imported from abroad. He is joined by representatives from the store, as well as Julie Vallese, Director of Information and Public Affairs at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  
Washington, DC
(10-1-2007)
The Working Group requested public comments on Import Safety in writing and hosted a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 1, 2007
Import Safety Federal Register Notice [PDF - 74.02 KB]
Remarks by HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and USDA Acting Secretary Conner at the Import Safety Working Group Public Meeting
Transcript of Public Meeting on Import Safety.		 
  
Kansas City, MO
(09-12-07)
USDA Secretary Johanns and HHS Secretary Leavitt tour Boyle’s Famous Corned Beef in Kansas City to observe procedures the meat processing facility takes to ensure its products are safe.		USDA Secretary Johanns and HHS Secretary Leavitt tour Boyle’s Famous Corned Beef in Kansas City to observe procedures the meat processing facility takes to ensure its products are safe. Photo by Bob Nichols
  
Cincinnati, OH
(09-12-07)
After touring a Kroger supermarket in Cincinnati, HHS Deputy Secretary Tevi Troy speaks with the media about how government and business need to work together to enhance the safety of imported foods and products. He is joined by FDA Commissioner von Eschenbach, HHS Secretary Leavitt, and Ohio Congresswoman Jean Schmidt.		After touring a Kroger supermarket in Cincinnati, HHS Deputy Secretary Tevi Troy speaks with the media about how government and business need to work together to enhance the safety of imported foods and products. He is joined by FDA Commissioner von Eschenbach, HHS Secretary Leavitt, and Ohio Congresswoman Jean Schmidt. Photo by Allyson Bell
  
Nogales, AZ
(09-11-07)
HHS Secretary Leavitt examines stacks of tomato boxes imported from Mexico through the Port of Nogales, the largest produce point of entry in the country with 70 percent of the fruits and vegetables imported during the winter months coming through the port.		HHS Secretary Leavitt examines stacks of tomato boxes. Photo by Allyson Bell
  
Phoenix, AZ
(09-11-07)
HHS Secretary Leavitt visits Basha's Supermarket outside of Phoenix, where he along with HHS Deputy Secretary Troy and FDA Commissioner von Eschenbach toured the Seafood section (seafood imported from Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam). On the tour, they learned about the procedures Basha's follows to ensure the safety and quality of imported food.		HHS Secretary Leavitt in seafood section at grocery store. Photo by Allyson Bell
  
Los Angeles, CA
(09-11-07)
HHS Secretary Leavitt visits the Port of Los Angeles, which encompasses 7,500 acres and 43 miles of waterfront. Leavitt, joined by the Deputy Executive Director of Port Operations Captain John Holmes and FDA Commissioner von Eschenbach, received a demonstration of the types of technological innovation that is being used to increase the safety of imported products. More than 40 percent of all the goods entering the U.S. by water come in through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.		Aerial picture of Port of Los Angeles. Photo by Allyson Bell
  
Miami, FL
(09-06-07)
Secretary Leavitt and Commissioner Dr. von Eschenbach inspect imported salmon for freshness on a tour of La Rosa Logistics, Inc in Miami, Florida. The family-owned business specializes in handling and transportation of imported fresh seafood.		Secretary Leavitt and Commissioner Dr. von Eschenbach inspecting salmon
  
Orlando, FL
(09-06-07)
Secretary Leavitt examines a toy as he tours the grocery, pharmacy, baby and toy departments of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Orlando, Florida. The retailer conducts independent testing on consumer products, including children's toys, to verify the integrity of imports.		Secretary Leavitt examining a toy at Wal-Mart
  
Charleston, SC
(09-06-07)
Secretary Leavitt, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, and FDA Commissioner Dr. von Eschenbach examine a pair of counterfeit jeans at the Centralized Examination Station in Charleston. The facility works around the clock to receive, handle, and examine cargo that contains imported products.		Secretary Leavitt, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, and FDA Commissioner Dr. von Eschenbach examine a pair of counterfeit jeans.
  
Washington, DC
(08-17-07)
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt speak to the press after a roundtable discussion on the safety of imported products.		Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt speaking to the press. HHS Photo by Chris Smith
  
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(08-09-07)
During a visit to the Homeland Store in Oklahoma City, Secretary Leavitt hears from an employee about measures that are put in place to ensure the safety of medicines in the store's pharmacy. He also toured the produce cooler and the fish counter, where fish imported from nine different countries is available.		Secretary Leavitt talking to a pharmacist in a grocery store. HHS Photo by Holly Babin
  
St. Louis, Missouri
(08-09-07)
Chairman and CE0 Scott Schnuck watches on as Secretary Leavitt uses a scanner to take the temperature of a package of fish in the seafood section of the St. Louis grocery store.		Grocery Store Chairman and CE0 Scott Schnuck watches on as Secretary Leavitt uses a scanner to take the temperature of a package of fish in the seafood section of the store. HHS Photo by Holly Babin
  
Memphis, Tennessee
(08-08-07)
On a stop at FedEx in Memphis, Secretary Leavitt and Commissioner von Eschenbach tour the largest express operation in the world, where millions of packages are handled every day. FedEx coordinates closely with federal agencies including Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration to track and inspect packages coming through the facility.		Secretary Leavitt and Commissioner von Eschenbach looking at monintors in a FedEx control room. HHS Photo by Holly Babin 
  
Chicago, Illinois
(08-08-07)
On a stop at 0hare Airport in Chicago, Secretary Leavitt and Commissioner von Eschenbach observe a demonstration by dog Rambo trained to intercept packages containing drugs. O'Hare inspectors handle 100,000 pieces of mail every day.		Secretary Leavitt and Commissioner von Eschenbach observe a demonstration by dog Rambo trained to intercept packages containing drugs. HHS Photo by Holly Babin
  
Detroit, Michigan
(08-08-07)
The Secretary and Commissioner visit the Detroit Produce Terminal, a co-op of produce wholesalers with product displays of fruits and vegetables, which included many imported products. The wholesalers sell cases of product to retailers, who review the displays and select products early in the morning.		Secretary Leavitt and Commissioner von Eschenbach holding oranges at a produce stand. HHS Photo by Holly Babin
  
Cleveland, Ohio
(08-07-07)
Secretary Leavitt tests the crispness of an ear of corn inside a walk-in produce cooler during a visit with Ohio Senator George Voinovich to a Giant Eagle store in Cleveland. Leavitt learned about the safety mechanisms in place at the store while he stopped at the seafood counter and walked through the international-foods aisle before visiting the pharmacy.		Secretary Leavitt and Senator George Voinovichtests snapping an ear of corn in half inside a walk-in produce cooler. HHS photo by Keith Nahigian
  
Buffalo, New York
(08-07-07)
Secretary Leavitt visits the loading dock at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, where an inspector pulls a box containing a gingerbread house out of a carton. These cartons are inspected to ensure that all food coloring dyes on the label are listed.		Leavitt with an inspector examining a gingerbread house that has been pulled out of a carton. HHS photo by Keith Nahigian
  

Baltimore, Maryland
(08-06-07)
FDA Inspector Teresa Fox gives an overview of the seafood inspection process to HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach at Phillips Foods and Seafood Restaurants’ processing facility in Baltimore, MD.

FDA Inspector Teresa Fox, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, and FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach unpack cans of seafood from a box. HHS Photo by Keith Nahigian
  
Camden, New Jersey
(08-06-07)
200,000 cases of produce, including pineapple, bananas and mango, are imported each week from Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Ecuador at the Del Monte Produce facility in Camden toured by HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach. Prior to shipment, the produce are evaluated and then tested for quality at the port of entry in New Jersey.		Port of camden with cases of cargo unloaded from a ship. HHS Photo by Keith Nahigian
  

Newark, New Jersey
(8-06-07)
During a visit to the Port of Newark, NJ, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach inspect import goods seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach inspect a table of various imported goods. HHS Photo by Keith Nahigian
  
Oakland, California
(08-03-07)
Secretary Leavitt and FDA Commissioner von Eschenbach, observe a demonstration of a new X-ray spectrometer used to screen food and other products.  The device helps the FDA more efficiently identify arsenic, lead, or other toxic metals in the field.		Secretary Leavitt observing a demonstration of a new X-ray spectrometer that can be used in the field to screen food and other products for toxic metals. HHS photo by John Mallos
  

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
(08-01-07)
Secretary Mike Leavitt tour the distribution center for Associated Grocers of Baton Rouge (AGBR)  and visit Matherne’s Supermarket. Imported products distributed by AGBR include bananas from Guatemala; mangoes from Mexico; pineapple from Costa Rica; apples and kiwi from Chile; turkey wings from Canada, tilapia, salmon, and crawfish tails from China; striped pangasius and snapper from Vietnam; and tuna and snapper from Indonesia.

Secretary Leavitt in produce section of Matherne’s Supermarket in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. HHS photo by John Mallos
  
Dallas, Texas
(07-27-07)
Secretary Leavitt and FDA Commissioner Dr. von Eschenbach, visit with Drew McDonald of Taylor Farms, a large produce processing plant. They observed multiple quality assurance measures that Taylor Farms has in place to ensure food safety from the field to the dinner plate.		Secretary Leavitt inspecting lettuce on a conveyor belt in Dallas, Texas. HHS photo by John Mallos
  
El Paso, Texas
(07-27-07)
Secretary Mike Leavitt and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. visit the Bridge of the Americas port of entry.  In this picture, FDA employees are gathering samples of oregano for testing in FDA lab inspection facilities		Secretary Leavitt pouring oregano into a paper bag in El Paso, Texas with Jack Grady, Consumer Safety Inspector of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Luis C. Chavarría, Supervisory Investigator for the HHS Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Commissioner of the HHS Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. (left). HHS photo by John Mallos
  

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