“Today's progress report reflects strong and sustained cooperation by both nations to strengthen the safety of food products exported to the United States from China,” states Leavitt. “I'm very pleased with our efforts and commend our Chinese counterparts for their commitment to this important work.”
The MOA, signed during the third session under the SED in December of 2007, established a bilateral mechanism to provide greater information and other assurances to enhance the safety of food and feed products traded between the two countries. Since its signing, HHS, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and AQSIQ have planned a joint implementation work strategy and have begun the initial steps called for under the agreement.
The statement describes progress in several important areas: Establishment of a mechanism for cooperation on significant events related to food and feed safety, including designated points of contact, emergency contacts, and thresholds for notifications; enhancing the exchange of information on the safety of food and feed safety; and developing a better understanding by both sides of each others’ respective regulatory systems.
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