FDA, Customs Streamline Prior Notice Requirement

FDA, Customs Streamline Prior Notice Requirement

WASHINGTONThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Bureau ofCustoms and Border Protection (CBP) announced May 27 they would streamline theimplementation of prior notice requirements of the Bioterrorism Act. Theagencies will allow food importers to provide information on food imports toboth agencies using an integrated process. Our primary mission is keepingterrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, said CBPCommissioner Robert C. Bonner. That is why we are partnering with FDA toprotect our nation against the potential of terrorists contaminating ourimported food supply. And, we are also partnering with FDA to develop a systemthat will be less burdensome on the trade while at the same time fulfilling themandates of the Bioterrorism Act.

Annette Dickinson, Ph.D., president of the Council for Responsible Nutrition(CRN), said permitting a single notification of import is good news to theindustry.