Food and Drug Administration

CFA Asks FDA to Clarify Rules, Step Up Enforcement for Online Food Vendors

CFA submitted the following comments in response to a recent public meeting held by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on food safety and e-commerce. The comments point out that increased food sales over the internet, while benefitting consumers in many ways, have created new food safety challenges, such as ensuring the safety of seafood and other perishable food shipped via common carriers, and given rise to common practices that result in under or misinformed consumers. The letter recommends that FDA issue guidance and, where necessary, regulations to clarify online vendors’ responsibilities, and that the agency vigorously enforce food safety and deceptive labeling laws.