USDA, HHS, EPA Reaffirm Collaboration to Tackle Chemical Contaminants in Food
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reaffirming the agencies' collaboration to protect consumers from toxic heavy metals and other chemical contaminants in food.
According to the agencies, the updated agreement strengthens coordination under the National Residue Program (NRP), through which USDA, HHS, and EPA monitor and regulate chemical residues in meat, poultry, and egg products. The revised MOU also incorporates updated approaches for detecting and responding to potential contamination risks.
The agreement is intended to modernize information-sharing among the agencies, coordinate scientific expertise, and improve the detection and assessment of potential food safety risks—thereby strengthening the federal oversight and coordination required to drive reductions in consumer exposure to chemical contaminants in food. It also supports new testing methods for detecting toxic heavy metals in produce, meat, and processed foods, and expands interagency collaboration on food contaminant monitoring, including for heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
USDA-FSIS Expands Heavy Metal Surveillance in RTE Foods
As part of the initiative, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has implemented a new laboratory method capable of measuring 18 heavy metals at very low concentrations. When elevated or unusual levels are identified, FSIS conducts science-based assessments to determine whether regulatory action is warranted.
USDA also said FSIS will expand its heavy metals surveillance program to include processed foods, such as sausages and ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, in addition to raw meat and poultry products. On July 10, the agency announced it will begin testing RTE meat, poultry, and egg products for metals under the NRP, using samples already collected through USDA-FSIS’ Allergen Verification Sampling Program.
According to FSIS surveillance data, heavy metal contamination in raw meat and poultry products has rarely been detected. USDA said the agency will continue publishing surveillance testing results online.
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