US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy G. Thompson, has announced US$5m in funding to support a new research programme to develop technologies and strategies to prevent and minimise potential threats to the safety and security of the US food supply.


The announcement came as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new report highlighting the department’s progress toward enhancing the nation’s food security, including an increase in the number of imported food examinations.


“Americans need to feel secure that the food they eat is safe and healthy,” Thompson said. “We are investing unprecedented time, energy and resources to make sure the food that goes from our nation’s ports and food facilities to our families’ dinner tables is safe. While we have made significant improvements over the last two years, we are building on our success by working harder to enhance security, including many more food inspections at our borders.”