technology defines what is achievable through the application of current science. Public resources can have the greatest favorable effect on public health if they are allocated in accordance with the combined analysis of risk assessment and technical feasibility. However, limiting allocation of resources to only those areas where high priority hazards are known can create a significant problem: other hazards with somewhat lower priority but with a much greater probability of reduction or elimination might not be addressed due to limited resources. Thus both the marginal risks and marginal benefits must also be considered in allocating resources.

Not all agencies responsible for monitoring the safety of imported food are authorized to enter into agreements with the governments of exporting countries in order to reciprocally recognize food safety standards or inspection results. Uniform or harmonized food safety standards and practices should be established, and officials allowed to undertake research, monitoring, surveillance, and inspection activities within other countries. This should permit inspection and monitoring efforts to be allocated in accordance with science-based assessments of risk and benefit. Changes in federal statute that would foster and enhance science-based strategies are shown in Box ES-2.

Congress and the administration should require development of a comprehensive national food safety plan. Funds appropriated for food safety programs (including research and education programs) should be allocated in accordance with science-based assessments of risk and potential benefit.

Changes in statutes or organization should be based on a rational, well-developed national food safety plan formulated by current federal agencies charged with food safety efforts and with representation from the many stakeholders involved in ensuring safe food. Such a plan, as shown in Box ES-3, should serve as the blueprint for strategies designed to determine priorities for

Front Matter (R1-R14)

Executive Summary (1-16)

1. Introduction and Background (17-24)

2. The Current US Food Safety System (25-50)

3. The Changing Nature of Food Hazards: Cause for Increasing Concern (51-62)

4. What Constitutes an Effective Food Safety System? (63-78)

5. Where Current US Food Safety Activities Fall Short (79-90)

6. Conclusions and Recommendations (91-100)

References (101-104)

Appendix A Glossary and Organizational Framework for the Current Food Safety System (105-114)

Appendix B CRS Report for Congress, Food Safety: Recommendations for Changes in the Organization of Federal Food Safety Responsibilities, 1949-1997 (115-160)

Appendix C Executive Summary: Food Safety from Farm to Table: A National Food-Safety Initiative (161-168)

Appendix D Summary of Comments and Testimony from Workshop (April 29-30,1998) and Agenda (169-180)

Appendix E Federal Food Safety Budget Information (181-184)

Appendix F Acknowledgments (185-188)

Appendix G Committee Biographical Sketches (189-194)