Nov 5, 2007 7:55 pm US/Eastern
Panel Urges Recall Authority For FDA
WASHINGTON (AP) ―
An advisory commission created in response to concerns about recalls of dangerous toothpaste, dog food and toys will recommend to President Bush that the Food and Drug Administration be empowered to order mandatory recalls of products deemed a risk to consumers, an administration official said Monday.
The panel also will urge increasing the presence of U.S. inspectors from Customs, the Border Patrol, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and other agencies in countries that are major exporters to the United States.
A third recommendation calls for establishing a certification program -- likened to a seal of approval -- for firms with a proven track record for meeting safety standards. The administration sees that as a powerful tool because it presumably would make certified suppliers more attractive to big retailers.
In addition, regulators would be able to concentrate on countries and companies that don't have a reputation for meeting certification standards.
Another proposal calls for focusing resources on riskier products -- tires, for example.
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