Audience in Budapest, Hungary
The U.S. Government in conjunction with the European Union (EU) and the governments of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary hosted a series of conferences titled "Food Safety: Current and Emerging Issues Influencing Public Health and Trade" from September 17 to 26, 2002. Conferences were held in Brussels, Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsored the meetings.
Nearly 400 participants, including representatives of industry, academia, and government and consumer organizations, and representatives of 10 nations, attended the meetings.
The objectives of the meetings were to:
Provide information on key U.S. food safety programs and activities
Provide information on the U.S. "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act" of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act)
Discuss the inter-relationship of food safety and trade initiatives
Discuss the inter-relationship of food safety and food security (i.e., counterterrorism).
The program had two key elements: (1) Examination of U.S. food safety requirements for foods imported into the United States, and (2) review of those provisions of the recently enacted U.S. bioterrorism legislation pertaining to food and to food exporters. The theme for the program was that U.S. food security efforts are being built on a solid food safety infrastructure. This theme was amplified in four panels: The U.S. Food Safety System, Exporting Foods to United States, Assuring Food Safety from Farm to Table, and Food Safety and Counterterrorism.
The U.S. team delivered a series of presentations and relied on representatives from each of the host countries to provide their unique, country-specific perspectives on the topics covered by each panel. Each presentation provided background information on U.S. activities, emerging food safety issues, information gaps, research needs, and industry and consumer education strategies. In addition, panelists identified mechanisms by which information can be obtained from U.S. Federal agencies and described the best routes for communicating questions and concerns to these agencies.
Following welcoming remarks from senior officials from the United States and the host country, presentations were delivered on the following topics: Overview of the U.S. food safety programs, general import requirements, BSE, dairy and egg safety, contaminants/pesticides, produce safety, food labeling for conventional foods and dietary supplements, low acid canned foods, allergens, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) issues (for seafood and juices), foodborne disease surveillance, food safety education/research/risk analysis, perspectives on counterterrorism, food security guidance, and new bioterrorism legislation/implications for exporters. The presentations generated questions during the plenary sessions, and served as a springboard for discussion during informal conversations.
Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary are directing their efforts in three directions: (1) Achieving accession into the European Union; (2) protecting the food supply of domestic consumers; and (3) and meeting requirements for trading with other countries. Discussion in each city was lively, informed, and productive.
European Union, Brussels, Belgium September 17, 2002
|
| Melinda Plaisier and Mark Walderhaug |
Representatives from the European Union expressed a strong interest in the new bioterrorism act, particularly the registration requirements. In his opening remarks, Karl Falkenberg, Director, Directorate General (DG)-Trade of the European Commission, stressed that there is a need for better surveillance to combat terrorism. He noted that increased inspectors and registration, might not be very effective because the terrorists will not register. He emphasized the need to trust inspectors from participating countries.
Similarly, Lorenzo Tersi, U.S. Desk Officer, DG-SANCO of the European Commission, noted that the European Union is concerned about the registration requirements of the new bioterrorism legislation. He was interested in how new legislation will be made seamless with current EU-U.S. agreements. He was also interested in how the new requirements affect products regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Patrick Deboyser, Head of Food Law and Biotechnology Unit, DG-SANCO, and Eric Poudelet, Head of Biological Risks Unit, DG-SANCO, provided updates on the organization of food safety activities within the European Union. He noted that EU food safety issues are now streamlined into one main agency, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and that similar food safety procedures are in place for animal and plant products, whether imported or domestic. Science-based risk assessment will be performed by EFSA, but the European Commission will cover risk management.
Salmonella enteriditis (SE) is a concern in the European Union. Mr. Deboyser noted that to reduce SE, it is important to keep all generations of hens SE free, not just decontaminate chicken meat. He stated that considerable food safety efforts have been targeted to SE in Europe, while less has been done on Campylobacter. EFSA is taking steps to reduce Campylobacter in living flocks. He stated that most Europeans believe that raw milk cheese is safe. However, he pointed out that food safety information campaigns that target farmers, feed processors, distributors, and the public are needed to ensure the safety of all food products. He noted that there is a continued need to develop methods to isolate Norwalk-like viruses.
Discussions with participants focused on the following topics:
HACCP requirements for fisheries
General re-importation requirements - whether foods found to be unsanitary would be re-exported and whether FDA is concerned that these products could be consumed when sent back
HACCP applications
FDA labeling policy on genetically modified/bioengineered food
Cost of food safety education activities
Labeling (e.g., how serving sizes are established, special requirements for children and adults, disclaimer for health claims for foods, and food supplements labeling)
Monitoring programs for pesticide residues, length of time to get results
Bioterrorism Act, Registration - implementation of registration requirements, potential burden on some companies and on poorer countries, fees, applicability for companies that make only food for animals (e.g., cattle and sheep).
Warsaw, Poland, September 19, 2002
|
| Don Sharp, M.D. |
U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill opened the meeting and discussed the importance of food safety and the importance of protecting the food supplies of both the United States and Poland. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jaroslaw Kalinowski welcomed the participants and encouraged an open dialogue. Representative of the Minister of Health speaking on behalf of Minister of Health Marius Lapinski extended greetings from his home agency.
The Polish discussants provided a wealth of information on the Polish food safety system, stimulated numerous questions from other participants, and provided a focal point for a lively exchange of information. Dr. Jan Szymborski from the Polish Ministry of Agriculture noted that following September 11, 2001, Poland has included food security in discussions of food safety. He stated that the Polish food safety system uses commonly accepted procedures and protocols (e.g., HACCP) and relies on results of chemical and pesticide monitoring programs. For meat products, Poland sends samples to USDA annually. He pointed out that there remains a high risk of Escherichia coli contamination in slaughterhouses.
Dr. Lucjan Szponar of the National Food and Nutrition Institute discussed foodborne illness surveillance data in the United Stated and Poland. He commented that Polish data indicate a much lower rate of foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in Poland in comparison to the United States. In the ensuing discussion, several points came to light. Whereas Dr. Szponar was citing data based on reported cases of foodborne illness in Poland, the U.S. data he mentioned were estimates of the total number of cases of foodborne illness in the population, not just the much lower number of cases of foodborne illness that are reported to CDC. The team clarified that the U.S. estimates were calculated based on disease surveillance and other recordkeeping systems in place in the U.S., as well as on a number of estimating assumptions that may be specific to the United States. The team cautioned against drawing comparisons between the U.S. estimates and the data of Poland or other countries.
The Ministry of Health is the overall coordinator for food safety in Poland, based on a 2002 law. Dr. Szponar noted that there are 12,000 people at all levels in food and animal inspections in Poland and wondered how this compares to the number of people performing the same functions in the United States. He suggested that Poland create a food and plant safety database with information for risk managers. Dr. Szponar also noted that Poland needs better-equipped laboratories and additional guidelines for safety of specific food products such as retail foods.
|
| Camille Brewer and Mark Walderhaug |
Discussions with participants focused on the following topics:
Requirements for exporting fruit and vegetable juices into the United States
Cost of pesticide monitoring program
Accreditation system for laboratories
New registration requirements under the Bioterrorism
Shelf life of food products/Expiration date labeling
Foodborne disease surveillance data
Hormones in food
BSE: Criteria for banning ruminant protein in animal feed and BSE monitoring in the U.S.
U.S. programs for controlling scrapie
Registration requirements for low-acid canned foods
Mr. Cameron Munter, Deputy Chief of Mission, hosted a reception at his residence for participants. In informal discussion at the reception, representatives of the Polish food industry and government indicated that the meeting was very useful. One participant at the reception stated:
"I came for basic information on how to export my product into the United States, but I came away inspired. I (will) look at food safety in a different way from now on. This meeting was much more valuable than I could have ever imagined."
Prague, Czech Republic, September 24
Prague was well on its way to recovering from the worst floods in 150 years by the time the U.S. team arrived in the city. Fortunately, the floods did not prevent attendance at the food safety meeting. During a courtesy visit at the U.S. embassy before the meeting, Mr. Kenneth Hillas, Deputy Chief of Mission, predicted that there would be a great deal of interest in food safety - and the attendance at the meeting proved him right.
Ms. Eva Cerna, Food Safety Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture, opened the meeting. The Research and Risk Analysis presentation included mention of modeling food commodity production with respect to the risks of microbial contamination. One participant asked for elaboration on microbial modeling of pathogen growth in foods. This provided the opportunity to clarify the point that microbial modeling of growth is an important part of both the FDA Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes risk assessments. The question also provided an opportunity to solicit information on microbial pathogen growth modeling in the Czech Republic and to invite collaborative work on the problem.
Discussion topics included:
Growth-promoting hormones in feeds
Controlling the private sales of drugs to farmers
U.S. definition of "wholesome"
The U.S. pesticide monitoring program, pesticide limits for baby foods
Functional foods
Single food safety agency
How food risks are assessed and ranked
Anti-tampering food packaging
Regulation of dietary supplements
Health claims on foods
Traceback to the source of a foodborne disease outbreak
Milk safety
Budapest, Hungary, September 26
Hungary enjoys a long tradition of food safety activities, and several eminent food safety officials participated in the meeting.
Dr. Peter Biacs, Vice Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, opened the meeting and noted that Hungary is establishing a food safety authority based on risk, traceability, and rapid alert systems. He reported on Hungary's active involvement in Codex.
Dr. Andras Sebok, Director, Campden & Chorleywood Hungary, reviewed the history of HACCP in Poland. He emphasized the steps being taken to comply with EU standards. He noted that the use of Good Agricultural Practices is a priority and that Hungarian authorities are discussing how HACCP-like approaches can be used in an agricultural setting. He stated that Hungarian GAPS guidelines would be amended on accession to the European Union. There are new Hungarian retail establishment guidelines, which include recommendations for "use by" dates, and guidelines for mixed fruit and salads production and storage. Dr. Sebok pointed out that there is no substantial difference between imported and domestic foods.
Dr. Tibor Balin, Senior Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, reviewed veterinary practices related to animal disease. Hungarian officials work closely with APHIS in establishing these practices. Dr. Balin's group is currently analyzing the costs of an effective food safety system.
Dr. Barnabas Sas, Director, Institute for Food Analysis, stated that consumer protection is of great importance in Hungary. He reported on Hungary's new foodborne disease monitoring system and encouraged professional collaboration.
Dr. Judith Soar, Division Chief, Institute of Nutrition, expressed an interest in both food safety education and risk management.
Areas of discussion included:
Trends in mycotoxin research
Listeria outbreaks related to sausages
Food labeling
|
| Wayne Molstad, John Sheehan, and Plant Manager in Poland |
Cheese Plants and Dairy Farms -- The U.S. team visited a cheese manufacturing facility in Poland. The factory, called Polser, is part of the French-owned Lactalis group and manufactures a variety of cheeses, including Brie, Camembert, and a Swiss-like variety called Madrigal. The team was taken on a tour of the manufacturing facility and was able to observe the manufacture of one type of cheese during the visit and taste the many cheeses manufactured at this facility.
Subsequently, the team was taken to visit one of the dairy farms supplying milk to this factory. The family-owned farm milked a herd of 18 cows, mainly Holstein-Friesians with a few mixed breeds, and the owners informed the team members that they were expanding their herd size to 31 milking cows. The family was asked about animal identification numbers and whether the animal maintained the same number throughout the life of the animal. The answer was affirmative, but this was a recent change in anticipation of joining the EU.
|
| John Sheehan and Marjorie Davidson in Hungary |
In Hungary, the team visited another dairy farm. This farm was milking 800 dairy cows (approximately 80% percent of which were Holstein-Friesian) with many of the cattle having been imported from either the United States or Canada or descended from North American stock. The team was taken on a tour of the farm facilities, including the milking parlor, bulk tank storage room, and calf-rearing facility. The latter employed some very interesting electronic technology allowing for the constant monitoring and provision of each calf's daily nutrition.
Afterwards the team was provided an opportunity to taste the many cheeses manufactured at a nearby cheese-manufacturing facility, Cosinus Gamma Co. Ltd., which used milk mainly from the farm visited. Many of the cheeses sampled were filled with meats, including ham and salmon. Others were smoked and/or rolled. The varieties included Parenyica and one called Shepherd cheese.
Edible oils plant and soap factory - The U.S. delegation visited Unilever Povltavské Tukové Závody, a facility producing margarine, and other edible oil-based products outside of Prague, Czech Republic. The facility also produces cosmetics and soaps. The factory was built about 25 years ago, and was purchased and modernized by the Unilever Corporation around 10 years ago. Jaroslav Hrubeš, the works manager, who has been with the company for about 8 years, provided the delegation with a description of both the history of the plant, and the products manufactured. He furnished the delegation with smocks, safety shoes, hairnets, and specific safety instructions to be observed when in the plant and then led the delegation on a tour of the plant. The delegation saw four production lines, three of which were operating. Two lines were producing margarine blocks, one line was idle, and the fourth line was producing bread and cracker spread product called Crème Bonjour. Mr. Hrubeš answered questions on the production of margarine and then led the delegation to the formulation area, to storage areas, and then back down along the Crème Bonjour production line. The delegation saw the hot filling and package sealing process for the Crème Bonjour. The next stop in the tour was the edible oil processing plant. Incoming edible oil in this facility was cleaned, decolorized, and deodorized - all these steps used only physical, not chemical, processes. The delegation then toured the soap-production lines from the saponification of fats to the forming and wrapping of soap bars. This part of the tour was lead by the soap-manufacturing manager, Mr. Jiri Chotéborská. Last, the delegation toured the water treatment facility for plant effluent. The water treatment plant is designed to accelerate microbiological processes that breakdown pollutants in plant effluent prior to returning the water to the Vltava River.
Ambassador Nancy Goodman Brinker hosted representatives of the team at the embassy before the team concluded their visit to Hungary. Ms. Brinker, who has a strong interest in public health, was pleased to learn of the success of the food safety meeting in Budapest.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Office of the Commissioner
Melinda K. Plaisier, B.A., B.A., M.S.W.
Head of Delegation
Assistant Commissioner for International Programs
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), FDA, DHHS
Camille E. Brewer, M.S., R.D.
Lead Delegate
International Activities Coordinator for Food Safety, Food Safety Staff
Mary J. Ayling, B.S.
Produce and Inspection Team, Food Safety Staff
John F. Sheehan, Esq., B.Sc., J.D.
Director, Division of Dairy and Egg Safety, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and
Beverages
Mark Walderhaug, Ph.D.
Microbiologist, Methods Application Branch of the Division of Microbiological Studies
Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and Beverages
Karen M. Deasy, B.S., M.P.A.
Associate Director for Policy, Food Safety Office
Donald Sharp, B.S., M.D.
Associate Director for Public Health, Food Safety Office
Norville Francis, Minister Counselor and Melinda Sallyards, Senior Attaché, USEU Brussels
Wayne Molstad Counselor, Poland
Robert Curtis, Counselor, and Paul Spencer, Attaché, Czech Republic and Hungary
Petra Choteborska, Agricultural Specialist, Czech Republic
Fernec Nemes, Agricultural Specialist, Hungary