FDA Short on Staff, Resources – Food Inspections Down, Food Fraud Rising

The nation’s food supply is anything but safe. Between 2004-2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected fewer than half of the facilities that it regulates. Some government officials claim that inadequate staffing and lack of modern technology and tools is the reason for the FDA’s lax enforcement. (4/7) Washington Post

While the FDA struggles with limited resources to prevent food contamination, food fraud is becoming more widespread and could affect up to 7% of the nation’s food supply. Food suppliers and manufacturers are selling products to companies and consumers that are not what the products say they are on the labels. Food fraud involves items such as oil, spices, wine and spirits, even maple syrup, but bogus seafood products pose the greatest risk to consumers. (3/30) Washington Post