USA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued two regulations that it hopes will bolster the safety and security of America’s food supply.

The new regulations require mandatory registration of food facilities and prior notice of imports, in line with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

It is hoped they will improve efforts to monitor and inspect imported foods, and allow quick identification and notification of food processors and other parties involved in the contamination of food.

The registration regulation requires companies involved in the processing, packaging or handling of meat to register with the FDA by December 12 2003. Foreign facilities will be required to designate an agent in the USA, who must be physically present there and maintain a place of business.