U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
|
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America |
Font Size Print Download Reader
This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001 |
Contact: | HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343 |
"President Bush wants to make sure America's ability to deal with bioterrorism is as strong as possible, and the new tools included in the House-passed bill help us achieve that goal," Secretary Thompson said. "We're currently responding quickly and effectively to the biological events in our country, but this package will substantially strengthen the department's ability to protect the food supply, and control the possession, use and transfer of biological agents and toxins.
Key food safety provisions include new authority to detain food in order to prevent potentially contaminated foods from entering into commercial channels. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cannot require the owners of food to hold distribution until a product's safety can be determined. "This provision will ensure that we can quickly move to protect Americans in case of a future emergency," Thompson stated. Another provision supported by the administration and included in the House-passed bill would allow for the FDA to debar importers who refuse to play by the rules and repeatedly import adulterated foods into this country. Still another provision requires importers to give the agency advance notice that their shipments are approaching U.S. borders.
Secretary Thompson stated, "These new authorities are long overdue and the administration is pleased to be working with members of Congress to advance these proposals. I congratulate the House of Representatives on its swift and decisive action."
The legislation, H.R. 3448, passed the House on December 12.
Note: Additional background is available at www.hhs.gov. Click on "Biological Incidents."
###