U.S. Opens New Import Food Safety Facility

Washington D.C.—The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has created a new US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility designed to streamline and enhance federal efforts to address import safety issues. The Import Safety Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center (CTAC) is intended to enhance the inspection of goods entering the U.S. by centralizing and strengthening federal efforts.

According to DHS, the new facility, reflects the three core principles announced by President Obama’s Food Safety Working Group in July: prevention, surveillance and response. It will combine the resources and manpower of CBP and other government agencies – including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety Inspection Service – to protect against unsafe imported products by improving communication and information-sharing and reducing redundant inspection activities.

Approximately 30 personnel, representing all the participating agencies, will work at the CTAC, which will be headed by and located adjacent to CBP’s Office of International Trade in Washington D.C.

Read the full story at fruitnet.com.