Federal Agencies Step Up Import Inspections

Two federal regulatory agencies, the Food and Drug Administration and Consumer Product Safety Commission, are stepping up their inspection activities to prevent unsafe food products and consumer goods from entering the country.

Importers and customs brokers are expected to keep informed of the rapid changes taking place to protect consumers, and to ensure that the overseas plants that ship their products maintain the same standards for cleanliness and safety that are required of U.S. producers.

President Obama signaled his support of import safety regulations when he signed on Jan. 4, 2011, the Food Safety and Modernization Act. The FDA since then has had the "pedal to the floor" implementing the act, said Anthony Taube, director of the agency's prior notice section.

Food safety is becoming more important as the U.S. population ages. Today, 30 percent of the population is considered to be high-risk when consuming contaminated food products. The at-risk population includes infants, pregnant women and the elderly, Taube told the annual conference of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America.

Furthermore, the U.S. is importing ever increasing volumes and types of food products, including seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables, as consumers want to enjoy certain food products the year round. This presents problems because not all countries maintain the same stringent food safety standards that are enforced in the U.S., Taube said.

FDA, through agreements with other countries, posts some inspectors in China, India, South America and Europe. The FDA is scheduled to inspect more than 1,000 overseas food facilities this year. If a foreign plant refuses to allow an FDA inspection, the agency has the authority to deny admission into the U.S. for any food products shipped from that plant.

On the other hand, importers and overseas plants that participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer and Foreign Supplier Verification programs receive expedited clearance of their products into the U.S.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a newcomer when it comes to enforcement activities. Jeremy Baskin, who heads up the import surveillance division in the office of compliance, said CPSC did not take on enforcement responsibilities until 2008.