US plans to implement new regulations on imported food safety

Xinhua news agency, Washington, July 26 (Reporter Lin Xiaochun) the U.S Food and Drug Administration announced two proposals on the safety of imported food on July 26, planning to implement the same safety standards for imported food as those for domestic food production in the United States   The U.S Food and Drug Administration issued a statement in six Chinese, English, French, Russian languages on the same day, saying that the two proposals are important steps to implement the food safety Modernization Act signed by President Barack Obama in 2011, so as to prevent possible food safety problems   Under the two proposals, for the first time, U.S importers will be given a clear responsibility to check whether their foreign suppliers have implemented prevention oriented food safety regulations, and whether they have the same level of food safety tracking file management as domestic growers and processors in the United States In view of the quality, objectivity and transparency of imported food safety inspection, the proposal also lists the strengthening management methods   Michael Taylor, deputy director of the U.S Food and drug administration, said: "previously, the United States mainly relied on the agency's personnel to inspect and deal with food safety issues in ports Now importers are responsible for the safety of their imported food for the first time and report to FDA in a transparent way "   The US Food and Drug Administration will solicit opinions from the food industry at home and abroad on the above two proposals for 120 days from the 26th, and will finally form regulations on the supervision of imported food in the US   At present, the United States imports food from about 150 countries and regions In the United States food supply system, imported food accounts for 15%, of which about half of the fresh fruits consumed in the United States are imported from abroad, and about 20% of the fresh vegetables are imported from abroad.