Press Release

Secretary Gutierrez Statement on the Interagency Import Safety Strategic Framework

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement on the completion of the Strategic Framework by the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety. The plan was delivered to President George W. Bush this afternoon.

The Working Group was established by Executive Order on July 18, 2007, to conduct a comprehensive review of current import safety practices and determine where improvements can be made.

“The Strategic Framework is the result of a collaboration of experience and ideas from experts on import safety at every level. We must continue to be vigilant, ensure that our food supply remains the safest in the world and never forget the safety of the products on America’s shelves is of critical importance. I commend Secretary Leavitt and the import safety team on their expeditious and thorough work to strengthen safeguards for food, toys and other products crossing our border,” said Gutierrez.

In November, the Working Group will deliver an Action Plan that will recommend specific actions the federal government, foreign governments and private sector can take to improve the safety of imports entering the United States. The Action Plan will also consider and address feedback received from the public and interested stakeholders.

The Working Group invites those interested to attend a public meeting for comment on October 1, 2007, or submit written or electronic comments by that date.

Background:
The Working Group is chaired by the Department of Health and Human Services' Secretary Michael O. Leavitt and includes officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of State, Department of Treasury, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Management and Budget, Office of the United States Trade Representative, Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission.

For more information, please visit: http://www.importsafety.gov.