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Date: March 4, 1998 WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343
Today, President Clinton will announce the introduction of legislation by Senators Mikulski and Kennedy to ensure the safety of all imported foods, including fruits and vegetables. This legislation will enhance the Food and Drug Administration's authority to prevent the import of fruits, vegetables, and other food products that do not meet U.S. food safety requirements. The President also will announce the release of a report that provides a blueprint on how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) will work cooperatively with the agricultural community to develop guidance on good agricultural and manufacturing practices for fruits and vegetables.
Enhanced FDA Oversight for Imported Foods. The President will call on Congress to pass the food safety legislation being introduced today in the Senate, which would give the FDA greater authority over imported foods. This legislation would ensure that the FDA halts the import of fruits, vegetables, and other food products from any foreign country with food safety systems that do not provide the same level of protection required for U.S. products. The legislation also permits the FDA to consider refusal of inspection as a factor in halting imports from a country or facility and it gives FDA authority that is comparable to USDA's existing authority to prevent the importation of unsafe meat and poultry. The President already has committed to providing approximately $25 million in his Fiscal Year 1999 budget to enable the FDA to dramatically expand its international food inspection force in order to implement this legislation. Representatives Eshoo and Pallone previously have introduced this legislation in the House of Representatives.
Development of Guidance on Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices. The President will announce the release of a report on how the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Secretary of Agriculture and in cooperation with the agricultural community, will develop guidance on good agricultural and manufacturing practices. This report outlines the progress already made -- and the measures that must still be taken -- to develop guidance for the growing, processing, shipping, and marketing of fruits and vegetables by October 1998. The guidance -- the first-ever specific safety standards for fruits and vegetables -- will address potential food safety problems throughout the production and distribution system and help ensure the sanitation and safety practices of all those seeking to sell produce in the U.S. market. The report also provides both short-and long-term plans for technical assistance, education, and outreach activities to support the appropriate application of the guidance.
Clinton Administration Accomplishments In Improving Food Safety The President's announcement today builds on a strong record of food safety initiatives, ensuring that Americans eat the safest possible food. The Administration has put into place improved safety standards for meat, poultry, and seafood products, and has begun the process of developing enhanced standards for fruit and vegetable juices. The Administration also has expanded research, education, and surveillance activities throughout the food safety system.