York, PA (PRWEB) June 25, 2013
The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) has created a new guide for field inspectors to aid them make certain that imported foods are protected for shoppers.

The rate of food importation into the United States is on the rise due to the fact of forces in the international economy and increased demand for standard ethnic foods. It is estimated that U.S. meals imports approached 10 million import lines in fiscal year 2011, and that number is anticipated to develop, according to the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA).

As soon as food products enter the U.S. and are marketed right here, state and neighborhood agencies are primarily responsible for ensuring that they are safe for shoppers. The new AFDO guide is designed to assist them.

The 32-page guide, titled Troubles and Issues with Imported Foods, gives a short description of the approach of importing foods, spells out the responsibilities of a variety of U.S. government agencies accountable for food protection and explains motives for product recalls, seizures or embargoes import alerts and lab-evaluation requests.

Images accompany the many examples and explanations of difficulties affecting imported foods, such as microbiological contamination, undeclared allergens, banned antibiotics, eviscerated processed fish, lead contamination of foods and packaging, undeclared preservatives, lack of English labeling and other concerns. The guide also lists certified colors permitted in foods and meals color additives banned in the U.S.

The guide is primarily based in element on an integrated food security initiative of state and federal officials from New York Agriculture & Markets and the FDAs New York District, according to AFDO Executive Director Joseph Corby.

It is extremely timely given the anticipated release by the FDA of new regulations for imported foods, Corby says. It gives fundamental information and info on the import process and the widespread troubles discovered.

Copies of the guide can be obtained by contacting AFDO at (717) 757-2888 or http://www.afdo.org.

About AFDO

The Association of Meals & Drug Officials is an international, nonprofit organization that is in the forefront of streamlining and simplifying regulations by either drafting regulatory rules or by commenting on government proposals. By developing a broad base of support for new approaches, AFDO has turn into a recognized voice in figuring out the rules and shape of the regulatory playing field of the future. The consensus that AFDO develops is crucial to advancing uniform laws, regulations, and suggestions that result in far more efficient regulation and much less confusion amongst market in the marketplace. AFDO develops help for its positions by interfacing with higher-level regulatory officials, market representatives, trade associations, and consumer organizations. This continues to have a considerable influence on regulations at the federal, state and regional level.

Make contact with:
Joseph Corby
Executive Director
Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO)
(717) 757-2888
http://www.afdo.org