U.S., Mexico Hold Second Annual Food Safety Partnership Meeting
On August 25, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its regulatory counterparts in Mexico—the Federal Commission for the Protection from Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) and the National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA)—held the second annual Food Safety Partnership (FSP) Meeting in Mexico City, Mexico as part of ongoing efforts to help ensure the safety of food imported from Mexico and to advance protections for consumers in both countries. In addition to holding the annual FSP Meeting, FDA, SENASICA, and COFEPRIS visited a farm to implement food safety practices, including traceability, and to observe unique growing and harvesting practices. The agencies also met with industry to learn more about its food safety efforts and to discuss collaborations.
According to FDA, one third of all agency-regulated human food imported into the U.S. is from Mexico, including 60 percent of the U.S.’ fresh produce imports. Frank Yiannas, FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, stated that the U.S. and Mexico’s shared goal is to proactively use modern technologies, tools, and approaches to help protect the global food supply.