Resolution Year 2003
Resolution Number 5:
Regulated Facilities and Commodities Considered High Risk for Bioterrorism
Whereas, the food safety programs within the 50 states conduct an estimated 2.4 million inspections each year, of which no less than 86,000 inspections are of FDA-regulated facilities such as food processors, dairy plants, and wholesale food distributors; and
Whereas, the FDA has determined/is determining the risk (high, medium, low) of these establishments to a bioterrorist attack; and
Whereas, the FDA has also done studies of pathogen/food pairings to determine (a) the risk of a bioterrorist attack on specific foods by specific pathogens and (b) whether or not a valid analytical method exists to isolate said pathogens from said foods; and
Whereas, State and local food safety officials are in great need for information on risk analysis and risk management regarding food establishments in their respective jurisdictions in order to determine where to utilize limited inspectional, sampling, and laboratory resources; and
Whereas, State and local elected officials are demanding that their food safety officials “take reasonable action” to reduce or eliminate the potential threat against the food supply; and
Whereas, State and local resources combined are essential to support that of FDA to protect the food supply; and
Whereas, the FDA has advised the States and locals that information on risk analysis and pathogen/food pairings has been classified (available only to individuals who have an adequate security clearance), therefore be it
Resolved, that AFDO request FDA and the Department of Homeland Security to quickly find a mechanism for providing State and local food safety officials with this information, including extending national security clearances to state officials, in order for them to adequately utilize their resources to reduce the likelihood of a bioterrorist attack on the food supply, and be it further
Resolved, that FDA provide this information to State (and local) officials in a timely manner and in such a way that State (and local) officials can assure their citizens and elected officials that they are adequately protecting the food supply in their respective jurisdictions from a bioterrorist attack.
