David Acheson M.D., associate commissioner for foods with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Silver Spring, Md., (right, pretty much exactly as shown) took to the letters page of The Contra Costa Times this morning to say,
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“… we recognize that recent problems in food safety represent a clear need for change and a modernization in approach.
That’s why we’re working more closely with state and local officials to quickly respond to food-borne dangers, such as the recent problems with contaminated pistachios.
The FDA is increasing the number of audits of state inspection programs. Looking forward, the agency is developing a bold new approach that will support states as full partners, not as contractors.
President Barack Obama’s budget request for this year includes historic increases for food safety. As a lead participant of the President’s Food Safety Working Group, the FDA’s focus is on the development of a new national system focused on prevention.”