Bush wants tougher agriculture, food security measures
The Bush administration has asked the departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency to step up surveillance and monitoring of the nation’s agriculture and food production sectors.
The food security plan calls for increased inspection of agricultural products and food items entering the United States. The agencies have also been asked to develop coordinated and food-specific emergency response plans and enhanced recovery systems for contaminated products and infected plants and animals.
Security experts warn that terrorists may attack populations by poisoning food systems. In addition, government and industry officials have become increasingly concerned about the introduction of plant and animal diseases through legitimate trade.
For more information about shipper concerns, read the February American Shipper, pages 10-14.