Summary

GAO discussed proposed legislation which would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to periodically monitor imported foods for pesticide contamination. GAO found that FDA: (1) did not periodically sample foods imported from countries that regularly exported to the United States; (2) has not conducted an overall analysis to determine what gaps exist in its monitoring and sampling procedures; and (3) lacks adequate information about the types of pesticides foreign countries use on foods. GAO believes that FDA should: (1) require importers to identify the pesticides used on food they import into the United States; and (2) exchange information with foreign countries on pesticides. GAO also believes that the proposed legislation would enhance FDA ability to monitor imported foods for pesticide violations.