The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminded food and agricultural associations this week to encourage their members to remain vigilant in their food defense efforts. USDA highlighted a list of reliable resources from a variety of government agencies that food companies can use to bolster their protective measures now and in the new year.

“Given the recent terrorist events both at home and abroad, we believe it is prudent to remind you of the resources available to further food defense efforts,” USDA officials said. “We also encourage you to supplement these federal resources with sector-specific food defense materials and guidance available through your association and the private sector, as well as other resources of which you may be aware that are available from states, localities, territories and tribal entities.”

The Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Homeland Security and USDA each have food defense resources available to IDFA members. They include:

• The FDA Food Defense Plan Builder, a user-friendly software program designed to help food production facilities develop customized food defense plans;
• CARVER+Shock Vulnerability Assessment Software Tool, a prioritization tool that can help companies to assess the vulnerabilities within a system or infrastructure in the food industry; and
• Food Defense Mitigation Strategies Database, a tool that helps food companies identify preventive measures to protect food against intentional adulteration.

For more resources, details and links, read the Food Defense Fact Sheet, prepared by the Food and Agricultural Sector Council, and visit the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) website.

IDFA members with questions may contact Emily Lyons, IDFA director of regulatory affairs, at elyons@idfa.org.