FDA, U.S. Customs Issue Policy Guide for Bioterrorism Act 32929

FDA, U.S. Customs Issue Policy Guide for Bioterrorism Act

WASHINGTONThe Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) and the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP)issued a compliance policy guide Dec. 11 describing their strategy formaintaining the safety and uninterrupted flow of food imports in accordance withthe Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of2002.

The policy guide (www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/cpgpn.html) deals withthe enforcement of the act, which became effective Dec. 12. The policy guideclarifies that during the phase-in period, the two agencies will primarily beeducating affected firms and individuals. During this period, the agencies willalso impose civil monetary penalties in increasing amounts for companies andindividuals not meeting the new regulations, and will ultimately begin refusingshipments. This phase-in period will end on Aug. 12, 2004.