Comment on FDA proposed rule on labratory accreditation for analysis of foods

Comments to the Food and Drug Administration signed by CSPI, the Center for Food Safety, the Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, and Food & Water Watch.

The Proposed Rule, promulgated under new authority created by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), is a step towards improving the reliability of testing used to ensure food safety. Such testing is vital to identify the presence of harmful pathogens, allergens, and chemical contaminants in food and will be particularly important for strengthening the safety of imported food.

However, we are concerned that the agency has construed its authority too narrowly, requiring accredited testing only in a few circumstances outside the context of food imports.