Ensuring Safe Food: An Organizational Perspective (From Firepower in the Lab: Automation in the Fight Against Infectious Diseases and Terrorism, P 133-142, 2001, Tony J. Beugelsdijk, Scott P. Layne, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-193061)

• NCJ Number: 193067
• Author(s): John C. Bailar III
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Joseph Henry Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Research Paper
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In this chapter a brief overview of food safety in the United States was presented in relation to food supply and production changes, food inspection and testing, bioterrorism, and Federal food safety initiatives.

Abstract

The United States' food supply over many decades has been ample, inexpensive, varied, nutritious, and appetizing while being relatively safe and secure from noxious agents. However, there have been known outbreaks with parasites, pathological organisms, and dangerous strains of Escherichia coli, indicating that the U.S. food supply could be made safer. The U.S. food supply changed dramatically prior to 1950 and from 1950 until 1999. The food supply in 2050 will also be quite different from today. Many factors will have an impact on the food supply, such as a resurgence of plant and animal pathogens, population growth, and political unrest. Traditional inspections through visual inspection, touch, and smell have been determined to do little in detecting chemical and biological threats. Immediate and substantial increases in the testing of the food supply are needed. In addition, there are concerns in the modification of biological or other agents that could damage substantial parts of the food economy. As for now, the understanding of the uncertainties and risks of terrorist attacks on the food supply are multidisciplinary including laboratory research, conflict resolution, epidemiology, engineering, technology, and agricultural science. Several Federal agencies are responsible for food safety including the administering of statutes, oversight of food safety activities, food inspections, testing, and the setting of standards. A compelling case was made for the unification of responsibilities as a more adequate response to any major broad threat to the U.S. food supply. A recommendation was made for a single independent food safety agency. A compelling case is made for prompt and massive change when bioterrorism is added to the mix. References