FDA regains access to food threat data. (Washington).(Brief Article)

Food Institute Report, The, December, 2002

In November, FDA officials regained access to the internal food supply threat assessment plan after several months of wrangling with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Apparently, Center for Science and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) employees who wrote the biodefense preparations were denied access to the plan because HHS officials were concerned that any potentially leaked information could serve as a roadmap for terrorists.

Selected food center officials have now gained access to the plan. CFSAN is working to implement the bioterrorism bill, and FDA has said it plans to implement all provisions by next fall.