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Food & Nutrition - Cosmetics - Colors -
Dietary supplements
International
Activities
May 2003; Updated July 2006
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Introduction | Overview | Frequently Asked Questions
This document describes the International Visitor's Program within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), and provides useful information pertinent to the program. More specifically, it is an overview that shares who visits and why, it highlights procedures used for receiving visitors, it speaks of what is necessary to facilitate requests. Other inclusions are security measures, what potential visitors should expect, and our guiding principles. It provides a link to obtain information on visas and includes a terminology section to familiarize potential visitors and/or their contacts with commonly used abbreviations in the CFSAN Visitor's Program.
Following the overview section is a listing of Frequently Asked Questions with answers that further adds clarity regarding who to contact, what documentation to submit, and critical information pertaining to requests to visit laboratories. Housing accommodations and directions and where to search for translated documents are also included.
CFSAN is the Center in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that is "responsible for promoting and protecting the public's health by ensuring that the nation's food supply is safe, sanitary, wholesome, and honestly labeled, and that cosmetic products are safe and properly labeled. CFSAN employs approximately 800 permanent individuals geographically located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Most of CFSAN employees are situated in the newly built Harvey Wiley Building located in College Park, Maryland. This location is just minutes away from the University of Maryland College Park campus and right across the street from the College Park - U. of Md. Metro Station on the green line.
Each year hundreds of individuals from around the world make requests or are invited to visit CFSAN for a short or longer time. Short-term visitors stay for a few hours to no more than 30 days. Most visitors are government employees of counterpart organizations; some are from academia and industry and others are politicians or representatives of the media.
Long-term visitors on the other hand stay longer than 30 days; we consider them international scientists. In the past most of the long-term visitors have been post doctorates who assisted CFSAN researchers in a collaborative manner. Long-term requests require background checks and can take as long as 6-months to obtain clearance.
Individuals have come from as far away as Australia and as nearby as Mexico. In fact, since 1995, over 3000 individuals visited CFSAN. Discussions have included such topics as foods produced through modern biotechnology, inspections, imports, labeling, risk assessments, seafood, and global harmonization. In the past, long-term visitors have worked along side of CFSAN's scientists on the effects of conjugated linoleic acids, synthesis of furan fatty acids and analysis of food fiber, and irradiated polymeric packaging materials.
Various avenues are used to schedule a visit to CFSAN. Some write, others telephone while many use a facsimile or send an e-mail message to a familiar person or to the director of the International Activities Staff. Connections are made while visiting different U.S. government agencies; some directly seek the assistance of government officials who have visited their home country. Others write embassy officials or the Center director.
Representatives of foreign governments may make requests for visits with CFSAN directly or through appropriate official/channels. Non-governmental entities such as representatives from private industry or academia are asked to submit requests directly to CFSAN or through affiliated U.S. industry associations and academic institutions.
Requests
Write to the International Affairs Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-550, College Park, Maryland 20740 or telephone, facsimile, or e-mail the director at the following numbers:
Telephone
(301) 436-1709
Facsimile
(301) 436-2618
E-mail Address
Required
Individuals seeking short-term visits (less than 30 days) are asked to provide us with at least a three-week notice. All requests should include curriculum vitae, resume, or a biographical sketch. Do not forget to include the purpose for the visit. Individuals are to state specifically their interest in visiting. For example, individuals interested in a discussion on food safety are to state what aspects of food safety is desired, e.g., packaging, dietary supplements, biotechnology, etc.
Long-term visitors will need a letter from an appropriate authority requesting an opportunity to visit. To begin the scheduling process, a curriculum vitae, resume, or a biographical sketch is needed and at least eight weeks of advance notice of desire to visit. As a matter of protocol, such visitors are required to have insurance in effect that covers sickness or accidents during their stay (Title 22, Foreign Relations, Part 62, Sec. 62.14) prior to the onset of the visit. Note that for laboratory assignments, a minimum of six months advance notice is required.
For security purposes, potential long-term visitors will have to complete Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, for a background check and/or to obtain special clearance for an appointment with CFSAN. The potential long-term visitor will also be asked to sign a Provisions of the USA Patriot Act acknowledging understanding of specific conditions.
Short-Term Visitors
Short-term visitors should expect to receive an agenda that highlights their name, country, and topic of interest, meeting location and with whom they will meet. They will receive the names of a contact point for questions or concerns and a package of pertinent information based on interest. In some instances, information will be downloaded from the CFSAN Web in the individual's native language.
Long-Term Visitors
Prior to the visit, the individual will receive a letter of invitation that states with whom the individual will work, it will discuss responsibility for transportation, housing, food, insurance and miscellaneous expenses. If CFSAN is to provide a stipend to assist with living expenses during the visit, a statement to that effect will be included. Further, the letter will provide where the visitor will be assigned and his/her particular project. It will include an approximate beginning and ending date. It is understood that CFSAN officials do not supervise international visiting scientists, what we do is to work in cooperation with the visitors. International Scientists are encouraged to keep a copy of their IAP-66 form and telephone number of their CFSAN contact and that of the IVP Coordinator with them at all times while traveling throughout North America.
Foreign High-Level Involvement. When high-level international foreigners visit CFSAN, it is appropriate to have a CFSAN high-level official or senior member or designee participate in the discussion to provide a welcome and possibly to discuss appropriate Center highlights on urgent issues.
Recording/Camera. As a general rule, recorders are not permitted in a discussion session. CFSAN officials may or may not allow pictures to be taken. This is a matter of personal discretion.
Information on visas can be found on the web site of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at: http://uscis.gov/
The International Activities Staff in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) welcomes you to CFSAN and to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. CFSAN is a major component of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Leaders in government, academia, private establishments and students visit with us to learn of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's requirements for foods and cosmetics, to exchange information and materials, and to strengthen international understanding about food and cosmetics issues. Provided are responses to frequently asked questions to assist you when contemplating a visit with us.
Who should I contact regarding a short/long-term visit to the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)?
Dr. Johnny Braddy, Senior Program Management Officer, International Affairs Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-550, College Park, Maryland 20740. His e-mail address is and his telephone number is (301) 436-1709.Should you prefer to fax requests, the fax number is (301) 436-2618.
The function of the International Affairs Staff (IAS) is to provide administrative support, technical information, and training to foreign governments and visitors. It is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of (and monitoring) Memoranda of Understandings with foreign governments. Further, it coordinates the Center's planning, directing, and administration of Agency activities with international organizations. It coordinates the Agency's role in international harmonization of food laws, regulations, standards, and science policies. It provides advice to the Center Director and other Center officials on issues that impact international policy, direction, and long-range goals.
Submit a curriculum vitae and a letter that specifically states your interest(s) in visiting CFSAN. Be mindful that this information is needed for each individual who plans to visit. In your letter, write what you hope to learn/discuss, and the date(s) you would like to visit.
There is no specific format, however it is suggested that potential visitors provide a personal introduction, the anticipated benefits of the visit and a preference of whom to visit (if known). The information should include name, position and organization, date and length of visit, reason for visit, birth date and place of birth, gender, country of citizenship, passport number, address, telephone, fax and e-mail address.
There is no charge for CFSAN's time, materials, etc. Generally all expenses are the responsibility of the individual and/or the sponsoring organization.
Due to heightened security concerns, visits to CFSAN laboratories are not encouraged. Currently, it is estimated that a minimum of six months lead time is necessary to gain approval.
Yes. Go to CFSAN's web page at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/list.html and look to the far left under FDA Documents, click onto Other Languages. To date, information is translated from English into Arabic; Chinese (traditional and simplified), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of International Programs, at (301) 827-4480.
While we do not recommend any particular housing accommodation, for your information provided are the names, addresses, and directions of several nearby places to stay while visiting CFSAN. You may wish to contact these locations directly for updated accommodation prices.
Comfort Inn & Suites
Address: 9020 Baltimore Avenue
College Park MD 20740
Direction: I-495/I-95 North Ex. 25B, or I-95 South Ex. 27 to 25B. Take 25B to US Route 1 South 1.5 miles. Hotel is on right.
Telephone: (301) 441-8110
Rate: $79.00 to $109.00 nightly
Best Western Maryland Inn
Address: 8610 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
Direction: 1.6 mile south of I-95 Exit 25B on US Route 1; about 1 mile north of University of Maryland
Telephone: (301) 474-2800
Rate: Standard $69.00 to $119.00 nightly
Suite $149.00 to $179.00 nightly
WWW: http://www.bwcollegepark.com/
Holiday Inn
Address: 10000 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
Direction: I-95 / I-495 & US Route 1 at exit 25A
Telephone: (301) 345-6700
Rate: Standard $129.00 nightly
Suite $350.00 nightly
WWW: http://www.holiday-inn.com
Super 8 Motel
Address: I-95 / I-495 Exit 25, south on US Route 1
Telephone: (301) 474-0894
Rate: $55.69
WWW: http://www.super8.com
Quality Inn
Address: 7200 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
Direction: I-495 / I-95, exit 25 US Route 1, 3 miles south to hotel
Telephone: (301) 864-5820
Rate: $75.00 to $129.00 nightly
WWW: http://www.qualityinn.com
Howard Johnson Express Inn
Address: 9113 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
Telephone: (301) 513-0002
Rate: $70.00 + nightly
WWW: http://www.hojo.com
Hampton Inn
Address: 9670 Baltimore Avenue
College Park MD 20740
Telephone: (301) 345-2200
Rate: Standard $105.00 +nightly
Suite $135.00 +nightly
WWW: http://www.hamptoninn.com
Econo Lodge
Address: 9624 Baltimore Avenue
College Park MD 20740
Telephone: (301) 474-0003
Rate: $75.00 nightly
WWW: Not Available
Days Inn
Address: 9137 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
Direction: I-95 Exit 25B to College Park, after 1 mile Days Inn is located on the left.
Telephone: (301) 345-5000
Rate: $68.00 - 75:00 + nightly
WWW: http://www.daysinn.com
Marriott Greenbelt
Address: 6400 Ivy Lane
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Direction: Take US Route 1 North to I-95 North/Baltimore. Take 95 N to Exit 23-Kenilworth Avenue. Bear right off exit & take 2nd left, Ivy Lane.
Telephone: (301) 441-3700
Rate: Weekdays - $139.00 to $169.00 nightly
Weekends - $109.00 to $119.00 nightly
WWW: http://www.mariott.com
For additional places to stay and/or visit while in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, contact the Convention and Visitors Association at 1212 New York Avenue, N.W., #600, Washington, D.C. 20005-3992. The telephone number is (202) 789-7000; fax (202) 789-7037.
The nearest metro stop is College Park - U. Md on the Green Line
To find out how to get around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area using Metrorail or Metrobus, see: http://www.wmata.com
Yes. A valid working visa is needed for individuals requesting a long-term visit. Obtaining the visa is the responsibility of the individual.
CFSAN Headquarters is located 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, Maryland 20740.
Directions to CFSAN's Headquarters Office:
Accessible by METRO. Take Yellow Line to L'Enfant Plaza. Change to Green Line in the direction of Greenbelt. Exit at College Park-U. of Md. METRO Stop.
Start out going northwest on Friendship Road toward Airport Exit. Friendship Road becomes Airport Exit. Stay straight to go onto I-195 West. Merge onto MD-295 S via exit number 2B toward Washington, D.C. Take the exit toward MD-193 (Greenbelt/NASA Goddard). Take the ramp toward MD-193 (College Park/University of Maryland/Glenn Dale/NASA). Turn left onto Southway. Take the MD-193 West ramp toward College Park/University of Maryland/Greenbelt Park/U.S. Park Police/Campground. Turn slight right onto MD-193 West (Greenbelt Road). Merge onto Kenilworth Avenue (MD-201 South via the ramp on the left). Turn right onto Paint Branch Parkway.
Start out going east on Aviation Drive. Turn left onto ramp. Merge onto Dulles Airport Access Road. The Dulles Airport Access Road runs directly into the Capital Beltway - no toll. Merge onto I-495 North/Capital Beltway via exit number 18 toward Baltimore/Bethesda Maryland. Take the MD-201/Kenilworth Avenue exit, number 23, toward Greenbelt/Bladensburg. Take the ramp toward Bladensburg. Merge onto Kenilworth Avenue/MD-201 South. Turn right onto Paint Branch Parkway.
There are numerous sites to visit in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Provided is a sampling of places to visit in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area (includes Maryland, and Virginia). Please note the hours and fees are subject to change, contact the sites directly for current information, Names, addresses, telephone numbers and descriptions are as follows:
Walk around D.C. areas. Places and monuments to visits:
