In 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act was signed into law by President Obama. The law is a comprehensive overhaul of FDA's legal framework for the regulation of food. This session will review the progress FDA has made on implementing the provisions of the Act addressing the safety of imports. Currently between 10 and 15 percent of food consumed in the U.S. is imported, including many products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Nearly two-thirds of fruits and vegetables and 80 percent of seafood consumed domestically come from outside the country. Under the Act, FDA will implement a new Foreign Supplier Verification Program and develop new programs for working with foreign governments. This mini-symposium will provide a review of the elements of the new law as it governs food imports and provide an update from key stakeholders on the proposals for implementation.

Presentations