FDA PROPOSES ADVANCED DATA ON FOOD IMPORTS

FDA PROPOSES ADVANCED DATA ON FOOD IMPORTS    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may require detailed information about food and beverage imports to be submitted electronically for review no later than noon on the day before arrival.
   The FDA also proposes to require all foreign and domestic firms that produce or handle food or beverages to electronically register with the agency.
   Shippers that fail to comply with the regulations may have their goods held at the port of entry.
   The FDA will take comments from the shipping industry about both proposed rules through April 4. The agency plans to issue its final rules by Oct. 12.
   Under the 2002 Bioterrorism Act, the FDA must develop regulations to better protect the nation’s food supply.