WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SPS/GEN/181
15 June 2000
(00-2388)
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:  English
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES PROVIDED BY THE UNITED STATES
Submission by the United States
In response to the Secretariat’s request in G/SPS/W/101, the United States submits the
following compilation of technical assistance provided to developing countries since 1 January 1995
in accordance with Article 9 of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary
Measures.  Given the number of US government agencies involved, the diversity of programs, and the
five-year time frame, the attached list does not include all relevant technical assistance provided bythe United States, either bilaterally or through the appropriate international organizations, to facilitate
developing countries to adjust to, and comply with sanitary and phytosanitary measures in their export
markets.  The United States will submit addenda at later dates to this paper.
US GOVERNMENT AGENCIES INVOLVED IN PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
1. Several US Government agencies – the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the US
Department of Commerce, the US Food and Dr ug Administration, the Environmental Protection
Agency, and the US Agency for International Deve lopment (USAID) – fund and administer technical
assistance to developing countries.  The Government entities often collaborate and contract with each
other to most efficiently use staff and budget resources.
2. Funds for these activities originate directly from agency appropriations and/or indirectly from
USAID program and project funds.  A full accounting of all technical assistance activities in the
general areas of WTO SPS compliance, food safety, plant health and animal health is difficult given
the diversity of funding sources, the broad range of activities funded and the multiple objectives of
different programs and project related activities.  The programs outlined below and the technical
assistance activities included in the table reflect those which the United States believes reflect theintent of Article 9.
US Department of Agriculture
3. Various agencies within the Department of Agriculture, including the Foreign Agricultural
Service’s (FAS’) Food Safety and Technical Services Division, FAS’ International Cooperation andDevelopment Program Area, the Animal and Plant He alth Inspection Service, the  Food Safety and
Inspection Service, and the Agricultural Research Service provide technical assistance to developing
countries.
FAS - International Trade Policy, Food Safety and Technical Services Division
4. The Food Safety and Technical Services Division (FSTSD) is the designated US Notification
authority and the Enquiry Point in accordance with Annex B of the SPS agreement.  In accordance
with paragraph 3 of Annex B, FSTSD is responsible  for the provision of answers to all reasonable
questions from interested Members, including potential US government sources for technicalG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 2
assistance funding.  Most of FSTSD’s limited technical assistance budget has been used to support
joint activities with the WTO Secretariat, to facili tate the establishment of operational enquiry points
and notification authorities in developing countries, to support regional training seminars, and
international standards development.  Contact: Lloyd S. Harbert, Director, FAS/ITP/FSTSD, Tel:
(202) 720-1301, E-mail: OFSTS@fas.usda.gov.             .
FAS – International Cooperation and Development (ICD)
5. ICD funds technical assistance activities through direct appropriations through the Cochran
Fellowship Program, the Emerging Markets Program, the Scientific Cooperation Program , and the
Joint Scientific and Cooperation Program.  It also coordinates the provision of technical assistance to
developing countries from other agency appropriations to facilitate trade and food security objectives.
Cochran Fellowship Program:   The Cochran Fellowship Program provides short-term
training in the United States for agriculturalists from selected middle-income countries and
emerging democracies.  The objectives of the program are:  (1) to help countries develop
agricultural systems necessary to meet the food needs of their domestic populations; and (2)
to strengthen and enhance trade linkages between the countries and US agricultural interests.
Since 1996, the Cochran Fellowship Program has trained over 250 international counterpartsfrom over 50 countries in food safety, WTO accession and compliance, and related issues.
The majority of these participants are trained in conjunction with the USDA technical
assistance agencies (APHIS, FSIS, FSTSD) me ntioned above.  The Program funds about 60
international participants per year for training in the above areas.  This level of activity is
expected to increase over the coming years. Contact:  Gary Laidig, Tel. (202) 690-1734,Email: laidig@fas.usda.gov.
Emerging Markets Program :  Under the Emerging Markets Program, US expertise is
provided through technical assistance to promot e international trade in agricultural products
with emerging markets.  Since 1996, this program has funded over 60 different technicalassistance activities designed to facilitate better understanding of US regulatory requirements
and to resolve specific SPS-related trade constraints.  Contact:  Calvina Dupre, Tel: (202)
720-0618, E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov and/or Lorie Jacobs, Tel: (202) 720-2637, E-mail:
jacobs@fas.usda.gov.
Scientific Cooperation Program :  Through the Scientific Cooperation Program (SCP), USDA
funds collaborative research projects and scientific exchanges on a broad range of subjects inagriculture and forestry.  The SCP fosters research and scientific exchanges between United
States and foreign scientists on uses of science to help solve mutual critical agricultural
problems including technical trade barriers and SPS issues such as food safety and threats
from exotic diseases and pests.   Funding for joint long-term technical research and short term
scientific exchanges in food safety covers 15 pr ojects in 13 countries.  Funding for joint long
term technical research and short term scientific exchanges targeting animal and plant health
trade barriers includes 25 projects in 14 countries.  Contact:  Calvina Dupre, Tel: (202)
720-0618, E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov.
Joint Scientific and Technical Cooperation Program :  These projects provide for mutually
beneficial research funded with foreign currencies from sales of farm products abroad under
Public Law 480 and host country resources.  Contact:  Carol Kramer-Leblanc, Tel: (202)
690-4872, E-mail: kramer-leblanc@fas.usda.gov.G/SPS/GEN/181
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
6. APHIS provides technical assistance to developing countries in the area of plant and animal
health with the aim of promoting science-based quarantine concepts and practices.  The International
Services (IS) component of APHIS directly em ploys over 300 Americans and host country nationals
stationed in 27 foreign countries on 6 continents.  The Deputy Administrator for IS manages the unit
from APHIS headquarters in Washington, D.C., and, in coordination with technical and administrative
staff in Riverdale, Maryland, supports international operations.  Regional offices, area offices, and
work units support the IS employees.  IS also shares responsibility w ith other international
organizations to manage more than 2,000 host country nationals in various countries who work for
international commissions to control specific agricultural pests or diseases.
7. APHIS/IS works with countries seeking to establish preclearance programs.  American
officers supervise permanent preclearance programs for fruits, vegetables, and flower bulbs destined
for the United States from Mexico, Chile, and the Netherlands.
8. Through international contacts, IS gathers and exchanges information on plant and animal
health. Through contacts with counterparts, APHIS personnel in other countries obtain information
about pest outbreaks, new survey techniques, and control methods.
9. APHIS/IS represents the US Government in dealing with many international and regional
organizations concerned with animal and plant he alth: the Food and Agriculture Organization; World
Health Organization; Codex Alim entarius Commission; Office International des Epizooties; World
Trade Organization; the International Plant Protection Convention; Pan American Health
Organization; European Plant Protection Organization; Inter-American Institute for Cooperation onAgriculture; Colombian Agricultural Institute; Inte rnational Regional Plant Health Organization, and
Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission.
10. APHIS officials travel to foreign countries, host foreign country authorities, and participate in
multilateral symposiums and consortiums.  The most prominent types of assistance have been in the
area of risk assessment training, biotechnology regu latory and technical training, biological control
workshops, phytosanitary and zoosanitary consultancies, and funding for foreign officials,
participation in international standard-setting meetings.  Excluded from the following figures are
routine bilateral meetings and program activities specifically addressed to exclude pests from the
United States.  Contact: Dr. Angel Cielo, Deputy Administrator, International Services, APHIS, Tel:
(202) 720-7021, E-mail: Cielo@APHIS.USDA.GOV.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
11. FSIS administers the meat and poultry inspection program in the United States.  While it does
not receive direct appropriations to provide technical assistance to developing countries,  FSIS
annually conducts an Inspection Seminar for Foreign Government officials.  This is a three-week
program providing an overview of the US meat a nd poultry inspection program, livestock production
system, and HACCP.   Contact:  Virginia Olson, Tel (202) 690-3788, e-mail:virginia.olson@usda.gov  or Ken Lee, Tel (202) 720-6375, e-mail:  ken.lee@usda.gov
.
12. FSIS does, however, support technical assistance activities coordinated by other US
government bodies by providing technical experts to deliver training and seminars, and by sponsoring
participants from developing countries to attend workshops and seminars that enhance their
knowledge on technical and regulatory issues.  FSIS also provides technical briefings to governmentofficials who visit the Agency headquarters in Washington.  Contact:  Sally Fernandez, Tel: (202)
501-7251, e-mail: sally.fernandez@usda.gov .G/SPS/GEN/181
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Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
13. The Agricultural Research Service coordinates international agricultural research within the
federal government with the aim of effectively linking domestic and international activities,
agricultural researchers, and programs.  At present, the agency has 368 cooperative linkages with 51countries, including many in developing nations. ARS is charged with extending the US’s scientific
knowledge across a broad  range of agricultural, forestry, fisheries and food science areas.  These
include, but are not limited to scientific investigation concerning safe and high-quality food products,
human nutritional needs, appropriate natural resource and environment management.  Contact: Liz
Mayhew, Office of International Programs, ARS, Tel: (301) 504-4521 E-mail:
LFM@ARS.USDA.GOV.
14. Selected examples of ARS work with developing countries include:
Cooperation in Controlling Pests and Diseases: ARS has been, and continues to be, an active
partner in cooperative projects with colleagues throughout Latin America.  Joint research
efforts have been crucial in controlling pests and diseases that could cause many millions of
dollars of damage to crops and livestock.  For example, ARS is providing essential research
support to APHIS and Central American countries for the ongoing screwworm eradicationprogram, which has eradicated the livestock pest in Mexico and most of Central America and
the United States.  The program will establish a permanent barrier in Panama to prevent
reinfestation from South America.
ARS-Former Soviet Union (FSU) Scientific Cooperation Program:    Established in 1998 with
Department of State funding, the ARS-FSU Sc ientific Cooperation program promotes basic
and applied agricultural research and supports the transition of the Newly Independent States
(NIS) to market economies by strengthening scientific communities and integrating NIS
scientists into the in ternational community.
International Internships at the ARS European Biological Control Laboratory, Montferrier-
Sur-Lez, France:  The European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL)’s scientific
program’s diverse staff and unique situation provide a unique experience for temporary
student employees and volunteers, often from developing countries.   For college students, the
EBCL has a limited program of  “international internships” for periods up to three months.
ARS-OIRP Sabbatical Program for Research Scientists:   The program affords opportunities
for ARS scientists to conduct investigations at foreign institutions.  Financial support covers
travel and a limited amount of laboratory expenses for up to one year but not less than three
months.  The objectives of the program are to increase the productivity and impact of ARS
research programs; provide additional means to recognize outstanding scientific efforts and
enhance an individual scientist’s performance and personal growth.  Preference is given tosabbaticals at the International Agricultural Research Centers (IARCs) of the Consultative
Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).  Established to serve National
Agricultural Research System s (NARS) of developing countries and to conduct important,
major agricultural research for the developing world, the IARCs strongly encourage
development and use of improved crops derived from biotechnology in developing countries.
LABEX Program:   In 1998, ARS and EMBRAPA, Brazil’s  equivalent of ARS, signed a
specific agreement for the LABEX program.  The objectives of the program are to improve
agricultural research cooperation between American and Brazilian institutions and to
capitalize on opportunities and research trends with potential benefits for agribusiness in bothcountries.  Currently, five EMBRAPA scientis ts are collaborating long-term in ARS labs.G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 5
Besides supporting scientists in ARS laboratories, EMBRAPA assists 38 post-graduate
fellows at US universities.
Foreign Research Associate Program:    ARS administers  the Foreign Research Associate
Program, which extends an opportunity for ARS and foreign scientists to share experienceand knowledge at ARS laboratories and research  centers throughout the United States.  The
program mutually benefits both ARS and foreign scientists.  In fiscal year 1999, of the 165
foreign scientists participating in this program, 59 were from developing nations.
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
15. GIPSA supervises technical assistance projects which focus on improving grain handling,
inspection, weighing, and storage. Delivery of these services often involves cooperation with the
Foreign Agricultural Service and US trade associations as well as participation and resources from
partner countries.  Contact:  Byron Reilly, Gr ain Marketing Specialist, of GIPSA, Tel: 202-690-3368
E-mail: byron.reilly@usda.gov.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
16. FDA has a long history of working with foreign governments and international organizations.
The cooperation/assistance usually has involved one or more foreign officials visiting/working in
FDA facilities for short-term or extended periods or FDA staff traveling to foreign countries on one or
more occasions.  Examples of these types of cooperation/assistance include:
− consultation (regulatory, scientific and technical)
− cooperative activities in developing national and international scientific and/or regulatory
standards
− mutually beneficial cooperative research by foreign scientists in FDA laboratories
− training at FDA facilities of foreign scientists in specific laboratory operations
− training of foreign officials in regulatory, enforcement or inspection procedures
− detailing or secunding of FDA employees to international organizations to work on 
generic or country-specific projects
17. FDA staff are frequently requested by foreign governments and international organizations to
participate in country-specific (or region-specific) international conferences, seminars, training
programs, workshops, consultations, and other short-term activities of usually a week or less duration
to deliver technical (scientific, administrative, le gal, enforcement, etc.) presentations which, in many
cases, fall into the category of technical cooperation/assistance.  These activities are often associatedwith emerging issues of direct interest and importance to FDA, and they enable the agency to
contribute to resolution of  public health issues and otherwise to influence procedures and policy on
foods, drugs, cosmetics, biological materials and medical devices worldwide.
18. FDA also receives a large number of re quests under its Foreign Visitor Program to
accommodate short-term (one week or less) visits by foreign government officials and industry
representatives acting on behalf of or in association with foreign governments.  These usually entail
requests by an individual or group to visit one or several FDA Centers/Offices to obtain a generaloverview of FDA policy, procedures, facilities and operations.  The visits normally range from a few
hours to several days depending on the scope of the request and the number of FDA sites visited.
19. FDA has traditionally attempted to accommodate as many of these requests as possible in an
effort to explain FDA's public health responsibilities and practices and to encourage other countries to
adopt or enhance appropriate public health measures within their own food, drug, cosmetic, biologicalG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 6
material or medical device regulatory systems.  FDA intends to continue its international technical
assistance activities to strengthen foreign food, cosmetic, drug, biological material and device
regulatory systems to the extent practicable within resource constraints.
US Department of Commerce20. A Department of Commerce initiative partially funded by the Agency for International
Development, the Commercial Law Development Division (CLD) supports economic and political
reforms underway around the globe.  CLD provides training and consultative services to lawmakers,regulators, judges, lawyers, and educators in foreign countries seeking to implement, evaluate, and
revise evolving legal systems.
21. CLD legal infrastructure development activities typically highlight laws, regulations, and
administrative practices affecting domestic and foreign investment and trade, particularly internationaleconomic agreements, foreign investment laws, project and trade finance, export controls, intellectual
property rights, public procurement, product standards, and government ethics.  CLD professional
skills development activities focus on expanding the knowledge and practical skills needed to
effectively use international legal structures and to bring new participants and new ideas into the
commercial marketplace.
22. Most CLD activities form part of comprehensive assistance programs addressing various
aspects of one or two issues interesting a host government.  Programs typically include placing expert
advisors with host government ministries for periods from a week to a year, providing legal training
and skills workshops and bringing policymakers, regulators, and educators to the United States for
individualized consultations or educational programs.   To ensure that its programs respond to actualneeds and coordinate with those of other assistance providers, CLD works closely with consular and
other host government officials, as well as other US Government, intergovernmental, and non-
governmental organizations.  For more information about the CLD, contact:  Faraaz Siddiqi  Tel:
(202) 482-2400, E-mail: Fsiddiqi@doc.gov .
VISITORS PROGRAMS
23. Each US government agency in the Executive Branch has staff responsible for arranging
itineraries and appointments for foreign visitors interested in understanding US policy, programs, and
regulations.  These are listed below.  Generally, visitors are officials of a foreign government, but may
also include members of the business commun ity, consumers organizations or other policy
stakeholders. Frequently suggestions for and preliminary arrangements for such visits are made via
the US Embassies in those countries.   
Food and Drug Administration,
Department of Human Health and Services
Charles Cooper
Tel:  202-205-5042
E-mail: ccooper@cfsan.fda.gov
Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service,US Department of Agriculture
APHIS Visitors Program, Linda Small
Tel: 301-734-7607
Fax: 301-734-7884E-mail:  vistorcenter@usda.govForeign Agricultural Service, US Department
of Agriculture
FAS Foreign Visitors, Sue Murphy
Tel:  202-720-6725
Fax:  202-690-1149
E-mail: murphyms@fas.usda.gov
Food Safety and Inspection Service, US
Department of Agriculture
FSIS Visitor Program International Office
Sally FernandezTel:   202-501-7251
Fax:  202-501-7642
E-mail:  sally.fernandez@usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 7
US Environmental Protection Agency
International Visitors Program
Ms. Diana Gearherdt
Tel: (202) 564-6617
Fax: (202)565-2408E-mail:  Gearhardt.Diana@epa.gov
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration, US Depart ment of Agriculture
GIPSA Foreign Visitors Program
Mr. Byron Reilly
Tel: (202)720-0226Fax: (202)720-1015
Agricultural Research Service, US Department
of Agriculture
ARS Visitors Program, Mr. John Kucharski
Tel:  301-504-8483Fax:  301-504-8069
E-mail:  john.kucharski@ars.usda.gov
Agricultural Marketing Service, US
Department of AgricultureAMS Visitors Program
Ms. Dale Mitchell
Public Affairs Staff
Tel: (202)720-8998
Fax: (202)720-7135E-mail: dale.mitchell@usda.gov
Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service, US Department of
AgricultureCSREES Foreign Visitors Program
Dr. Hiram Larew
International Programs
Tel: (202)720-3801
Fax: (202)690-2235
Economic Research Service, US Department
of Agriculture
ERS Foreign Visitors Program
Ms. Cheryl Christensen
Tel: (202)694-5200
Fax: (202)694-5792E-mail:  cherylc@econ.ag.gov
Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture
FS Foreign Visitors
Mr. Val MezainisTel: (202)205-1650
Fax: (202)273-4749 or 4748
E-mail: vmezainis@fs.fed.us
National Resource Conservation Service, US
Department of Agriculture
Ms. Helen Huntington
Tel: (202)720-2218
E-mail:  helen.huntington@usda.gov
National Agriculture Library, US Department
of Agriculture
Ms. Deborah Richardson
Tel: (301)504-5204
E-mail:  drichard@nal.usda.gov
24. While not exhaustive, the attached table provides a representative listing of key activities
undertaken by the United States since 1995 in the context of Article 9 of the SPS Agreement.G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 8III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety and
Animal Health andPlant HealthPort of entry operations:
infrastructure management andpractical applicationFY 1997(1) Three-week expert consultancy of
existing port operations at three Venezuelaports to assess adequacy of facilities,equipment and staffing;(2) Three-week, Cochran-funded training
for three Venezuelan Animal, Plant
Inspection Service (SASA) Inspectors, oneeach at Miami, San Juan and Laredo, onpractical US SPS inspection methods andprocedures;(3) Follow-up evaluation on progress madeat three ports as per earlier training.Venezuela FAS/ICD/FID/TIP
Tel:  (202) 690-2988
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthSub-Saharan Africa WTO
WorkshopMay 1999 in Washington, D.C.Ten-day training for 37 African officials
from 17 different countries on the SPSAgreement, international standards, USregulatory requirements, biotechnology andtechnical assistance sourcesCôte d’Ivoire, Gambia,
Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria,Senegal, Ethiopia,Kenya, Tanzania,Uganda, Namibia,Malawi, Mozambique,
South Africa, Zambia,
ZimbabweFAS/ITP/FSTSD
Tel: (202)720-1301Fax: (202)690-0677
Animal and Plant Health A SPS Distance Learning program
to develop an Internet-basedlearning opportunity witheducational modules, CD-ROMand Website.  Current Modules
include:
-An Introduction to InternationalSPS Measures, and-The Approval Process forImporting Plants, Animals andRelated Products into the US
Modules in process:
-Risk Assessment Policy, and-Performing a Risk AssessmentProject involves USDA’s Foreign
Agricultural Service, the Animal and PlantHealth Inspection Service, and theCooperative State Research, Education, andExtension ServiceUsing the Caribbean as
an example for eventualglobal application.Carol Wilson
E-mail: cawilson@usaid.govTel: 202-712-5118G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 9III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety and
Animal Health andPlant HealthHurricane Reconstruction and
assistanceTechnical experts for hurricane damage
assessment and projects to modernizeessential animal and plant health institutionsas well as rebuilding food safetyinfrastructures.  Efforts coordinated by
USDA/FAS/ICDCentral America and the
CaribbeanBetsy Davis
Tel:  202-690-1941davisb@fas.usda.gov
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthWTO Enquiry Point Training
20-21 October 1999Establishment and operation of national
standards information centers andrequirements for WTO Enquiry PointsNicaragua JoAnne Overman
Tel: (301)975-4037Fax: (301)926-1559E-mail: joanne.overman@nist.gov
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthBiotechnology Information
Exchange Programs to look at the
US food safety and environmental
protection procedures forintroducing genetically modifiedorganisms into agricultural andfood systems;  setting standards
and developing science-based
regulatory frameworks governinguse of biotechnologyTechnical scientific exchanges of groups of
scientists, technicians, policy makers and
regulatorsRussia, Estonia, Latvia,
and LithuaniaCarol Kramer-Leblanc
Tel:  202-690-4872
E-mail: kramer-
leblanc@fas.usda.gov
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthGovernmental, university and
private sector technical experts tosupport Inter-AmericanDevelopment Bank (IADB)
projects in the area of :
- Diagnostics of animal, plant andhuman health services to enhancelaboratory testing capacity formicrobial pathogens and pesticideresidues (Central America), andTechnical experts include project
coordinators and  experts in food safetysystems and US plant, animal and humanhealth standardsCentral American
countries and Trinidadand TobagoDavid Winklemann
Tel:  202-690-1801E-mail: winkelmann@usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 10III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
- Regulatory services improvement
(Trinidad and Tobago)
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthRegional Asian Agribusiness
Project1) Review of the first comprehensive
Indonesian food code.2) Train-the-trainer courses on HACCP forseafood in South and Southeast Asia,
3) Basic sanitation and hygiene courses, and
4) Workshop on plant quarantine1) Indonesia
2)  Malaysia, Sri Lanka,India, and Bangladesh 3) Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, and India,
4) Asia and NorthAfrica.Christian Foster
Tel:  202-690-2988E-mail:fosterc@fas.usda.gov
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthAPEC Risk Assessment Workshop
2 March 1998Information sharing on agricultural risk
assessments with the aim to enhance andstrengthen ongoing internationalharmonization of plant pest andbiotechnology related regulatory guidelinesand policiesAsia /APEC Economies Kate DeRemer
FAS/CMPTel:  202-720-0138
Fax: 202-720-0965E-mail: OFSTS@fas.usda.gov
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthBiotechnology Seminar
November 1999 in SantiagoSeminar on the regulatory review and
commercialization of biotechnologyChile Food Safety & Technical Services
DivisionTel: 720-1301E-mail: OFSTS@fas.usda.gov
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthBiotechnology Info Exchange
Mid-September/October 1998through December 1999Information exchange on agricultural
biotechnology products in collaborationwith Russian scientists, technicians, policy
makers and regulators, including members
of the Russian Inter-Agency Committee onGenetic Engineering (Working Group onBiotechnology)Russia Liz Mayhew
USDA/FAS/ICD/RSEDTel:  202-690-2870E-mail:  mayhew@fas.usda.gov
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthImplementation of the WTO
SPS/TBT Agreements22–23 April 1999Technical workshop for Russian
government officials on implementation ofthe agreements and development of a
transparent food safety regime based on
sound science;  harmonization withinternational standardsRussia Jon Ann Flemings
FAS/ITP/EAMEDTel: 720-1277
E-mail:
flemingj@fas.usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 11III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety and
Animal Health andPlant HealthPRA WTO Compliance/Biotech
26-29 April 1999Warsaw, PolandRegional Conference on international
sanitary and phytosanitary disciplines,including: risk analysis, risk assessment, andrisk management; case studies review onrisk analysis in area of plant health andbiotechnologyCentral Eastern Europe;
Hungary, Solvenia,Poland, Slovakia,Croatia, Czech Republic,Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania, Romania,
Bulgaria, Macedonia,Ukraine, RussiaMary Lisa Madell
Tel: (202)720-0318Fax: (202)690-2861E-mail:mlmadell@email.aphis.usda.gov
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthBiotechnology Orientation Visit
July 1999Ten-day biotechnology orientation visit in
the US for 3 Chilean officials on policydevelopment, procedures, controls andsafeguards applied for new technologiesChile US Embassy Santiago
Tel: 56-2-330-3704E-mail: blabey@rdc.cl
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthDepartment of Commerce’s
Commercial Law DevelopmentDivision (CLDP) in March 1996The role of SPS as part of the broader WTO
Agreements affecting agricultureAlbania Faraaz Siddiqi
CLDPTel: 202-482-2400
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthDepartment of Commerce’s
Commercial Law DevelopmentDivision (CLDP) in August 1996Consultations on establishment and
operation of SPS measuresLatvia Faraaz Siddiqi
CLDPTel: 202-482-2400
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthDepartment of Commerce’s
Commercial Law DevelopmentDivision (CLDP) in October 1996and July 1997Consultations on establishment and
operation of SPS measures;  Food safetystudy tour in the United States.Lithuania Faraaz Siddiqi
CLDPTel: 202-482-2400
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthDepartment of Commerce’s
Commercial Law Development
Division (CLDP) in February 1998
and 28-29 July 1999Two separate conferences on SPS measures; Moldova Faraaz Siddiqi
CLDPTel: 202-482-2400G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 12III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety and
Animal Health andPlant HealthDepartment of Commerce’s
Commercial Law DevelopmentDivision (CLDP) in June 1996;November 1998 and 28 June 1999Technical Skills Consultations;  SPS
Measure Issues and Agricultural TradeRelated MattersRussia Faraaz Siddiqi
CLDPTel: 202-482-2400
Food Safety andAnimal Health andPlant HealthDepartment of Commerce’s
Commercial Law Development
Division (CLDD) in Kiev during
May 1995 and February 1998SPS Seminar and agricultural agreement
consultations including SPS measuresUkraine Faraaz Siddiqi
CLDPTel: 202-482-2400
Animal Health Establishment, operation and
monitoring of poultry meat residuedetectionAugust - September 1999Training for a team of Lithuanians on
residue monitoring systems, includingregulatory and practical private sectorapplication at both plants and laboratoriesLithuania Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Animal Health Veterinary diagnosis in poultry
virology and pathologyFall 1997Specialized diagnostic in virology and
pathology for two Russian veterinarianpoultry specialistsRussia Marolo C. Garcia
USDA/APHIS/ VSTel: (301) 734-8695
Fax: (301) 734-8226
E-mail: mgarcia@aphis.usda.gov
Animal Health Animal health officials hosted in
the United States to revieworganizational structure, policyprocedures, and regulatorydevelopment as applied to animal
health
Autumn 1997Site visits for two groups of animal health
officials to laboratories, universities, federalregulatory agencies and private sectoroperatorsBosnia-Herzegovina Richard Petges
FAS/DLPTel: 202-720-3899Fax: 202-720-0617E-mail: petges@fas.usda.gov
Animal Health Sanitary protocol development
practical application1 June-30 August 1998Sponsored training in Beijing for animal
health specialists and officialsChina Richard Petges
FAS/DLPTel: 202-720-3899Fax: 202-720-0617E-mail: petges@fas.usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 13III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Animal Health Testing of new live vaccines
against salmonella in poultryShort term scientific exchange with US
Iowa State UniversityHungary Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.govLorie JacobsTel:  202-720-2637E-mail: jacobs@fas.usda.gov
Animal Health Joint project analyzing risks of
Foot-and-Mouth Disease entry andparameters for the establishmentand designation of free areasLong term collaborative research project
with the US University of CaliforniaArgentina Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Animal Health Joint agricultural research on the
application of biotechnology andother tools to develop an effectivevaccine against Anaplasmosis, a
worldwide insect-transmitted
livestock diseaseLong term collaborative research project
with USDA’s Agricultural Research ServiceBrazil Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Animal Health Joint development of diagnostic
tools for rapid and accurateidentification of an emerginglivestock disease easily mistakenfor Foot-and-Mouth diseaseLong term collaborative research project
with the US University of NebraskaBrazil Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Animal Health Control possibilities of bovine
babesiosisLong term collaborative research projects
with USDA Agricultural Research Service,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,and University of MissouriMexico Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618
E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 14III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Animal Health Brucellosis in goats Long term collaborative research projects
with USDA Agricultural Research Service,Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,and University of MissouriMexico Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Animal Health Research with Moroccan specialists
on improvement options in
diagnostic tests for the livestock
tick-borne disease babesiosis.Long term collaborative research project
with USDA Agricultural Research ServiceMorocco Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Animal Health Varroa mite resistance in honey
beesLong term collaborative research projects
with USDA Forest Service, AgriculturalResearch Service, and Animal and PlantHealth Inspection ServiceRussia Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Aflatoxin Standards/CODEX
January 2000 Brussels
March 2000 Beijing
June 2000 RomeProvided 3 briefings on developments in
CODEX on aflatoxin standards to 34countriesArgentina, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile, China,
Egypt, Gambia,
Granada, India,Indonesia, Ivory Coast,Jamaica, Kenya,Lesotho, Malaysia,Malawi, Mexico,
Morocco, Nicaragua,
Nigeria, Panama,Paraguay, Peru,Phillippines, Senegal,South Africa, Thailand,
Turkey, Uganda,
Uruguay, Venezuela,Vietnam, Zambia,ZimbabweKate Deremer
FAS/CMP
Tel: (202)720-0138
Fax: (202)720-0965E-mail: OFSTS@fas.usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 15III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Plant Health Pest Risk Assessment Workshop
23 March 1997A Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) Workshop
presented in a 5-day course to the RegionalPlant Protection Organization to 25-30technical specialists of the  Organization ofthe Southern Cone (COSAVE)Latin America/COSAVE Nicholas Gutierrez
USDA/APHISTel: 301-734-4384
E-mail: ngutierr@aphis.usda.gov
Plant Health Management of Pink Hibiscus
Mealy bugField survey trips to Belize and a
consultative trip to countries affected by
pink hibiscus mealybug in Central Americato provide technical expertise; developmentof inspection operations, and a workshop toeducate local and regional plant officialsabout biocontrols and survey techniquesGuatemala and Mexico Christine Sloop
USDA/FAS/CMP/
HTPTel:  202-690-2702E-mail:sloopc@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Fruit/Vegetable Pest
List/Procedures
April 1997Development of an updated pest index for
the Dominican Republic, development of a
manual of standard instructions for plant
health/quarantine officials for diagnosingpests/diseases at port of entry and treatmentof quarantinable diseases, workshop andtraining of officials from the DR and HaitiDominican Republic
HaitiSusan R. Schayes
FAS Santo DomingoTel: 688-8090 (809)
Plant Health PPQ Team Visit
January 26-30, 1998Evaluated citrus industry operations and
provided leaning opportunities about pest
and disease control inspections, and
certificate proceduresArgentina Brian Grunefelder
Tel: (202)690-2702Fax: (202)720-3799
Plant Health Fresh Produce Issues
November 17-24, 1999Technical discussions on the fresh fruit
entry protocols, including site visits to viewshipment procedures and  informationexchange on fresh vegetables, stone fruit,and sweet cherriesPhilippines Kevin Sage
FAS ManilaTel: 63-2-804-0347E-mail: agmanila@fas.usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 16III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Plant Health Karnal bunt resistance United States-India cooperation on Indian
wheat varieties resistant to rust and Karnalbunt and field testing of US winter wheatcultivars for natural resistance to Karnalbunt India Carol Kramer-Leblanc
Tel:  202-690-4872E-mail: kramer-leblanc@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Researchers collaborating to more
accurately identify  white fly crop
pestsLong term collaborative research project
with the US University of ArizonaArgentina Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618
E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health United States, Brazilian and
Mexican scientific cooperation onresearch to develop methods tocontrol the trade-related ergotdisease of sorghumLong term collaborative research project
with the US Texas A&M UniversityBrazil and Mexico Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Development of an integrated pest
management program to prevent
importation of pine bark beetles onlogsLong term collaborative research project
with the US University of WashingtonChile Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618
E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Exploration and importation of
natural enemies of the brown citrusaphid from its native habitatLong term collaborative research project
with USDA Agricultural Research ServiceChina Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Soybean rust used in validating a
neural network model assessingrisks of exotic quarantine diseasesLong term collaborative research project
with US Iowa State UniversityChina Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Joint research with Mexico on
developing more accurate and rapid
detection methods for Karnal buntdisease of wheatLong-term collaborative research projects
with USDA Agricultural Research Service,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,and University of MissouriMexico Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618
E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 17III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Plant Health Heat and cold temperature death
kinetics of the mango fruit fly, aquarantine threatLong term collaborative research project
with USDA Agricultural Research ServicePalau and Fiji Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Joint research with Russia
developing a monitoring system forthe Siberian mothLong term collaborative research projects
with USDA Forest Service, AgriculturalResearch Service, and Animal and PlantHealth Inspection ServiceRussia Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Joint research with South Africa on
managing the movement of
pathogens and germ plasm ofProtea cut flowersLong term collaborative research projects
with USDA Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, Agricultural ResearchService, and the University of IllinoisSouth Africa Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618
E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Integrated pest management of the
small hive beetleLong term collaborative research projects
with USDA Animal and Plant HealthInspection Service, Agricultural ResearchService, and the University of IllinoisSouth Africa Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health White rust and downy mildew in
sunflowersLong term collaborative research projects
with USDA Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, Agricultural ResearchService, and the University of IllinoisSouth Africa Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618
E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Biological control of stemborers Long term collaborative research projects
with USDA Animal and Plant HealthInspection Service, Agricultural ResearchService, and the University of IllinoisSouth Africa Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Soybean rust characterization
through the application of
biotechnologyLong term collaborative research projects
with USDA Agricultural Research ServiceZimbabwe Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 18III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Plant Health Seed workshops encouraging
establishment of private seed tradeassociations, including seedmarketing, agriculturalbiotechnology, and food safetyaspectsSeed Workshops Ukraine, China, Africa Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Fumigation training Short term training in Jamaica to determine
appropriate regulatory treatments andmonitor fumigation proceduresJamaican Ministry of
Agriculture, PlantQuarantine/ ProduceInspection Unit andMinistry of Commerceand Technology, Food
Storage and Prevention
of Infestation DivisionWilliam O. Wade
Telephone (301) 663-0342E-mail: William.O.Wade@usda.gov
Plant Health State-of-the-art methodologies for
conducting commodity and pestrisk assessments in support ofscientifically-based regulatorydecision makingUSDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) specialists delivered oneweek pest risk assessment workshops totrain technical-level staffsFY1999 activityGuyana, Grenada,
Poland and EcuadorEric.Nichols@USDA.gov
Tel: 202-720-3456
Plant Health Technical training APHIS specialist presented material at the
IPPCs Working Group on Pest Risk
Analysis Fiji, September 1999Developing countries
which belong to the
IPPCEric.Nichols@USDA.gov
Tel: 202-720-3456
Plant Health Week long regional meetings
facilitated technology transferopportunities to national plantprotection organizationsAPHIS conducted biological control
workshops on control of injurious pests infound in Central America FY99 and 2
nd Q
FY 2000 activityBelize and Mexico Eric.Nichols@USDA.gov
Tel: 202-720-3456G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 19III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Plant Health Pest identification workshop APHIS-supported activity Bahamas Eric.Nichols@USDA.gov
Tel: 202-720-3456
Plant Health Organization, application and
policy development inphytosanitary issues - caseexperience from the United StatesAPHIS-supported activity Philippines and Russia Eric.Nichols@USDA.gov
Tel: 202-720-3456
Plant Health Plant health specialist reviewed and
presented recommendations to
Ecuadorian authorities on options
for national plant healthinfrastructureAPHIS-supported activity Ecuador Eric.Nichols@USDA.gov
Tel: 202-720-3456
Plant Health Specialists assessed impact of
Mediterranean fruit fly in theregionAPHIS-supported activity Grenada, Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Honduras,Nicaragua and PanamaEric.Nichols@USDA.gov
Tel: 202-720-3456
Plant Health Pesticide Testing Methodologies
for onionsMarch 1997Technical exchange with FDA scientists and
Costa Rica to compare sampling and
pesticide testing of onions with Ministry of
Agriculture scientistsCosta Rica Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618
E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.gov
Lorie JacobsTel:  202-720-2637E-mail: jacobs@fas.usda.gov
Plant Health Plant Health review and evaluation
on Oriental and Caribbean  FruitFlyTechnical exchange Colombia Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.govLorie Jacobs
Tel:  202-720-2637
E-mail: jacobs@fas.usda.govG/SPS/GEN/181
Page 20III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Plant Health Plant Health review and evaluation
on Oriental Fruit FlyAugust 1996Technical Exchange Argentina Calvina Dupre
Tel:  202-720-0618E-mail: dupre@fas.usda.govLorie JacobsTel:  202-720-2637E-mail: jacobs@fas.usda.gov
Food Safety FDA Training Program  on Risk
Assessment Procedures forResidues of Veterinary Drugs inFood.November 1999 in Berlin,GermanyProgram organized by FAO African Countries Robert Livingston
E-mail:  rlivingston@cvm.fda.govTel: 301-594-5903
Food Safety Brazilian Institute of Food
Technology international
conference on the approval ofpackaging for foods and beverages- Legislation in Brazil, Mercosur,United States and European UnionSeptember 1998,  in São PauloFDA addressed the topic of "Food
Packaging Legislation in the USA - the role
of the FDA” and reviewed harmonizationrequirements regarding testing andmigration for packaging materialsMercosur countries:
Brazil, Argentina,
Uruguay, ParaguayDennis Keefe
E-mail:  dkeefe@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:
202-418-3113
Food Safety The Inter-American Development
Bank (IADB) provides loan
packages to developing nations,largely to improve infrastructure.IADB has decided to include a foodsafety assessment in their initial
examination of a country's systems
1998FDA participated in two food safety systems
assessments as a consultant to the bank:
Assessments were completed for Honduras,Trinidad and TobagoHonduras, Trinidad and
TobagoCamille Brewer
E-mail:  cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov
Tel:  202-260-2314G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 21III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety FDA participated in 1999 in a
USDA/USAID-lead post-hurricanere-assessment.A food safety component was included.
Sections of the needs assessment protocolwere used in USDA-lead post-hurricaneassessments of the three countries.Honduras, Nicaragua, El
Salvador, and GuatemalaCamille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314
Food Safety FDA co-sponsored with
IADB/USDA/USAID a project
planning meeting in St. Lucia,West Indies for countries assessedunder the Caribbean Food SafetyInitiativeFebruary 2000Developing food safety proposals based on
completed assessments St. Lucia Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:
202-260-2314
Food Safety FDA co-hosted a regional outreach
meeting on food safety with the
government of Chile for
delegations from throughout SouthAmericaOctober 1999Over 150 delegates participated and
addressed various aspects of preventingfood borne pathogensChile and other South
American countriesCamille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314
Food Safety Two programs held in Chile
May-June 2000One symposium dissected partnerships and
reviewed the US Food Safety Initiative.The second was a train-the-trainer programon good agricultural practicesChile Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314
Food Safety China National Advisory
Committee for Imported FoodSafety Control and Inspection,September 1996 in Zhuhai, ChinaOctober 1997 and Hangzhou,ChinaFDA staff participated as members of
China's National Advisory Committee onImported Food Safety.  The AdvisoryCommittee, coordinated by the ChineseMinistry of Health and comprised ofrepresentatives from various Chinese
government agencies, is developing
approaches and procedures for positioningChina's import inspection regimen for foodsto be WTO consistent.  FDA providedChina John Jones
E-mail:jjones@cfsan.fda.govTel: 202-205-4311G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 22III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
details of the US programs for monitoring
the safety of imported foods and USapproaches for ensuring consistency of suchprograms with the WTO SPS Agreement
Food Safety National Laboratories of Food and
Drugs on the safety assessment of
food additives
September 1998FDA staff provided technical assistance on
the safety evaluation of food contactsubstancesChinese Taipei Dennis Keefe
E-mail:
dkeefe@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:  202-418-
3113
Food Safety Consultations to evaluate import
concerns associated withmycotoxins in maizeSeptember 1998FDA provided to government
representatives in Croatia and Montenegrotechnical advice on analytical methods formonitoring aflatoxins in foods to ensureaccuracy of testing methodology applied toimported maizeCroatia, Montenegro Mary Trucksess
E-mail: mtrucksess@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-4429
Food Safety Expert review of Egyptian systems
for quality control in foodsProject involved a comprehensive review of
Egypt ‘s food regulatory system with anobjective of aligning this system moreclosely with the requirements of the WTOSPS and TBT Agreements.  The proceduresfor establishing and enforcing food safety
and quality standards were reviewed and
recommendations made for change,including recommendations relating tominimizing duplicative inspection andtesting, revising food standards to focus
more clearly on food safety issues,
establishing regulations relating to theprevention of consumer fraud, and theupdating of laboratory and inspectionfacilities and capabilitiesEgypt Michael Wehr
E-mail:mwehr@cfsan.fda.gov Tel: 202-260-2786G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 23III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety Seminar on "Introduction to Food
Labeling Laws and Regulations inthe United States"January/February 2000,Cairo, Egypt.Assist Egyptian food processors understand
FDA's legal requirements for food productsthey intend to export to the United StatesEgypt John Tisler
E-mail:jtisler@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-5251
Food Safety Aflatoxin Analysis Workshop
Cairo, EgyptFDA provided technical training on
analytical methods for monitoring aflatoxins
in foods to staff of the Central HealthLaboratoriesEgypt Mary Trucksess
E-mail: mtrucksess@cfsan.fda.gov
Tel:  202-205-4429
Food Safety March 1999, Cairo, Egypt FDA staff evaluated food control
laboratories in EgyptEgypt Samuel Page
E-mail:spage@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-4355
Food Safety August 1999, Cairo, Egypt FDA staff trained Egyptian food control
officialsEgypt Samuel Page
E-mail:
spage@cfsan.fda.gov
Tel:  202-205-4355
Food Safety FDA has been engaged extensively
with the government of Guatemalato investigate possible pathogenssources on raspberriesSince 1998Raspberries from Guatemala were
implicated epidemiolo gically with episodes
of cyclospora induced illnesses. Since thattime, FDA has assisted the government andberry industry of Guatemala to determine
possible sources of contamination and to
implement effective control measuresGuatemala John Kvenberg
E-mail:jkvenberg@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-4187G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 24III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety A workshop organized by
USDA/APHIS and CornellUniversity for biotechnologyregulators from 18 South andSoutheast Asia countries
Madras, India July 1997FDA's policy and oversight of
bioengineered foods prior to marketingIndia, South Asia,
Southeast AsiaNega Beru
E-mail:nberu@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-5321
Food Safety A workshop organized by the
United States-Israel TechnologyCommission for governmentregulators and members of industryHerzliya, Israel December 1996Regulation of
food and color additives and GRASingredients including approval processes;food control policy and oversight regardingbioengineered foodsIsrael Nega Beru
E-mail:nberu@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-5321
Food Safety Conference on the Application of
Risk Analysis in Food Safety, TelAviv, Israel, November 1999Presentation on “Risk Analysis of Chemical
Hazards in Foods: A General Overview.”Israel Dennis Keefe
E-mail:
dkeefe@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:  202-418-
3113
Food Safety FDA is conducting an assessment
of methods to detect toxichypoglycin in ackee, a Jamaicantraditional fruitMay 2000The Jamaican Bureau of Standards provided
FDA laboratories with samples and ahypoglycin standard.  FDA will determineappropriate methodology  to determinecompliance with regulatory limits forhypoglycin in ackeeJamaica Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314
Food Safety FDA invited the Jamaican Bureau
of Standards to attend andparticipate in the July/August 2000advanced thermal processingschool in ChicagoJamaican inspectors requested training on
how to assess thermal processing systems inprocessing plants for compliance with FDAregulationsJamaica Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 25III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety FDA participated on a mission with
the Inter-American DevelopmentBank to assess the agricultural foodsafety programs of the JamaicangovernmentMay 2000Food Safety Jamaica Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314
Food Safety At the invitation of WHO and
coordinated by the WHO RegionalOffice for the EasternMediterranean, Alexandria, Egypt,FDA staff participated as atemporary adviser on safety of food
preservatives, antioxidants and
colors in Amman, Jordan, at theJordanian Ministry of Health inNovember 1997Responsibilities included 1) Testing for the
identity and concentration of preservatives,antioxidants and food colors; 2)Presentations on food technology, USregulation of preservatives and coloradditives, ISO/IEC Guide 25 (General
Requirements for the Competence of
Testing and Calibration Laboratories)sulfites and HACCP, and bromates in breadmanufacture, BHA and BHT in fats andoils; and 3) identification of color additivesJordan Dennis Keefe
E-mail:dkeefe@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:  202-418-3113
Food Safety A workshop organized by Jordan
Export and Development
Commercial Centers Corp. for
government regulators and formembers of industryAmman, Jordan December 1996Presented regulation of food and color
additives and GRAS ingredients including
approval processes.  Also explored FDA's
policy and oversight regardingbioengineered foods as well as the FDAconsultation process for these foods beforethey enter the marketJordan Nega Beru
E-mail:
nberu@cfsan.fda.gov
Tel:  202-205-5321
Food Safety A workshop organized by
USDA/APHIS for biotechnology
regulators from several Latin
American and Caribbean countriesRiverdale, MD October 1996Examined FDA's policy and oversight
regarding bioengineered foods as well as the
FDA consultation process for these foods
before they enter the marketLatin America and the
CaribbeanNega Beru
E-mail:
nberu@cfsan.fda.gov
Tel:  202-205-5321
Food Safety Harmonization of Laboratories in
the Americas - FDA has workedclosely with the Pan AmericanThe goals of INFAL are to promote and
facilitate the harmonization of the foodlaboratories in the Americas, establish aLatin America and the
CaribbeanMaritza Colon-Pullano
E-mail:mpullano@oc.fda.gov>  Tel:  301-G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 26III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Health Organization to establish the
Inter-American Network of FoodAnalytical Laboratories (INFAL) -a system of identifying competentanalytical laboratories in each
participating country in Latin
America and the Caribbean1997-2000regional program in analytical quality
assurance, stimulate technical cooperationon food safety laboratory issues among theinvolved countries, and build confidence inthe safety of foods traded in the region.827-4553
Food Safety 2nd International Congress on Food
Packaging by CYTED March 2000,Hermosillo, MexicoPresentation delivered on regulating
packaging in the United States, includingnew initiatives (PMN)Mexico Dennis Keefe
E-mail:dkeefe@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:  202-418-3113
Food Safety September 1997, Pan-American
Mycotoxicology Course, MexicoCity, Mexico.FDA provided technical training on
analytical methods for monitoring aflatoxins
in foods to Mexican government and food
industry representatives.Mexico Mary Trucksess
E-mail: mtrucksess@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-4429
Food Safety May 2000 -- FSI staff participated
in the development andimplementation of a FarmInvestigation Course for FDA andState Staff.FSI invited representatives from Mexico and
Canada to participate in this meeting.Foreign delegates will be able to apply theinvestigational techniques introduced in thecourse to investigating outbreaks offoodborne disease in their home countries.Mexico Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314G/SPS/GEN/181
Page 27III. Member:  United States
Table 3  Technical Assistance provided to Members and Observers in the process of Accession since 1 January 1995
Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety Collaborative Exchange with
MexicoIn June 1998, DHHS and USDA signed a
Joint Statement with Mexico to cooperateon food safety issues.  Projects under theJoint Statement were structured under theCollaborative Exchange.  The Ministry of
Health of Mexico and USDA were included
in discussions.Mexico Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314
Food Safety FDA coordinated food safety
initiative-related activities such asconsultations, materials review andtraining in Mexico with SAGAR(Agriculture) and other Mexican
federal level agencies, as
appropriate.FDA reviewed training materials being
developed by SAGAR for theirInformation/Diffusion, Basic, andSpecialized Training Programs, and willprovide comments and input.  FDA shared
with SAGAR information on the field
courses on epidemiology, traceback andmicrobiology for possible inclusion in itsSpecialized Training Program.Mexico Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314
Food Safety Three collaborative exchanges
were held in Washington, D.C. inJanuary and April 1999, andFebruary 2000.At these meetings, participants formalized a
structure and lines of communication forjoint projects in the areas of research,outbreak response and training.Mexico Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:202-260-2314
Food Safety Key accomplishments of the
Collaborative Exchange with
MexicoThe Regional Meeting on Food Safety for
North and Central America.  This meeting
was telecast throughout Mexico and reachedan audience of over 6,000 growers,producers and processors, and governmentofficials.  Improved communication,
coordination and cooperation in outbreak
response resulted from the exchange.  Also,a research symposium intended to identifyjoint collaborative research projects on foodsafety was held in May 2000.  Twelvesenior US scientists met with their
counterparts from SAGAR's researchMexico Camille Brewer
E-mail: cbrewer@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:
202-260-2314G/SPS/GEN/181
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Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
institute to exchange information on
research programs and to develop strategiesto conduct joint research.
Food Safety 1990-2000 - FDA has worked
collaboratively with the MexicanIntersecretarial Commission for
the Control of the Processing and
Use of Pesticides, Fertilizers andToxic Substances(CICOPLAFEST) to addresspesticide residue issues associatedwith differing pesticide usage
practices in Mexico and the United
States.FDA coordinates and conducts bi-annual
pesticideworking group meetings with
CICOPLAFEST government officials
responsible for theestablishment and control of pesticide usesin Mexico and participates in ongoingexchanges of legislation, regulations,guidelines, and technical documents
associated with pesticide usage and
requirements in both countries.Mexico Maritza Colon-Pullano
E-mail:mpullano@oc.fda.gov>  Tel:  301-827-4553
Food Safety Review and Modernization of the
Laboratory Support Component ofMinistry of Agriculture's ExportCertification Program (a USAIDfunded project).Morocco maintains a comprehensive
governmental program to certify foodproduct exports to target markets.  Acomponent of this project is analysis toensure compliance with the food safety and,
as appropriate, quality requirements of the
target export country.  This project involvedcomprehensive assessment of the laboratoryto ensure that the facilities (includinganalytical equipment), personnel andoperating procedures would complement the
support provided by USAID (equipment
purchase, training) to enhance   laboratoryoperation.Morocco Michael Wehr
E-mail:mwehr@cfsan.fda.gov Tel: 202-260-2786G/SPS/GEN/181
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Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety In January 1996, the United States
and Russia signed a Memorandumof Understanding (MOU)concerning foods traded betweenthe two countries.The purpose of the MOU is to assure the
safety and quality and appropriate labelingof foods traded between the two countries.The MOU provides for informationexchange, training activities, dispute
resolution, and movement to recognition
and use of international food safetystandards and procedures.  FDA staff haveparticipated in numerous technicalassistance exchanges with Russiancounterparts under provisions of the MOU.Russia Catherine Carnevale
E-mail: ccarnevale@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-5032
Food Safety May 1997, Proficiency Testing and
Analytical Workshop for
Aflatoxins, Bangkok, Thailand.FDA provided technical training on
analytical methods for monitoring aflatoxins
in foods to staff of the Ministry of PublicHealth of the Thai government and to foodindustry representatives.Thailand Mary Trucksess
E-mail: mtrucksess@cfsan.fda.gov
Tel:  202-205-4429
Food Safety April 1998, Mycotoxin Analysis
Workshop, Bangkok, Thailand.FDA provided technical training on
analytical methods for monitoring aflatoxinsin foods to staff of the Ministry of Public
Health of the Thai government and to food
industry representatives.Thailand Mary Trucksess
E-mail: mtrucksess@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-4429
Food Safety February 1999, Tunis, Tunisia.
FDA staff participated in an FAO-sponsored Mycotoxin Consultationfor Africa Countries.Mycotoxin Tunisia, North African
CountriesSamuel Page
E-mail:spage@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-4355
Food Safety Conference on Food Packaging in
Tunis, Tunisia, 3 November 1999.Presentation  delivered  on regulating
packaging in the United States, includingnew initiatives (PMN)Tunisia Dennis Keefe
E-mail:dkeefe@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:  202-418-3113G/SPS/GEN/181
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Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety April 1995, Control of Mycotoxins
in Food, Montevideo, Uruguay(FAO-sponsored).FDA provided technical training on
analytical methods for monitoring aflatoxinsin foods to staff of the LaboratorioTechnical del Uruguay.Uruguay Mary Trucksess
E-mail: mtrucksess@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-4429
Food Safety July 1997, Methods of Analysis for
Mycotoxins in Foods, University ofVenezuela Caracas,Venezuela.FDA provided technical training on
analytical methods for monitoring aflatoxins
in foods to Venezuelan government and
food industry representatives.Venezuela Mary Trucksess
E-mail: mtrucksess@cfsan.fda.govTel:  202-205-4429
Food Safety The 9th International Technical
Consultation of VeterinaryMedicinal Products (ICVMP) heldin Hanoi, Viet Nam in April 1999.OIE organized the meeting to provide
information to Southeast Asian countries onthe effective implementation of anappropriate veterinary pharmaceuticalcontrol program.Viet Nam, Southeast
AsiaRobert Livingston
E-mail:  rlivingston@cvm.fda.govTel: 301-594-5903
Food Safety 1995 Lecture Series on Food Safety
in Hanoi, VietnamFDA staff provided government officials in
Viet Nam with a comprehensive overview
of US food safety requirements pertaining to
imported foods.Viet Nam Charles Cooper
E-mail: ccooper@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:202-205-5042
Food Safety Regulatory Consultations
Bilateral Consultations Besides its technical assistance activities,
FDA routinely consults with food safetyregulatory officials to address existing oremerging food safety issues associated withimported foods from particular countries.
These consultations often involve exchange
of technical information aimed at improvingan exporting country's ability to meet USfood safety requirements.  Over the lastseveral years, FDA has conductedsubstantive bilateral food safety regulatory
consultations with various countries to
resolve specific food safety problems.Examples include Brazil,
Guatemala, Mexico,Turkey, China, ChineseTaipei, Thailand, India,among others.Charles Cooper
E-mail: ccooper@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:202-205-5042G/SPS/GEN/181
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Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety General Training on US Food
Safety Import RequirementsFDA Import Requirements andProceduresFDA provides more general training to
exporting countries on import monitoringapproaches and practices.  FDA hasprovided training regarding FDA'srequirements for successful importation of
foods to the United States.  This activity
included an overview of the structure ofFDA, the mechanics of the entry process, anexplanation of the laws, primary regulationsand import alerts, as well as the automaticdetention process and the function ofcompliance programs.Many countries
including Bulgaria,India, Panama, Malaysia,Thailand, Republic ofKorea, South Africa,
Mexico, Morocco, Israel,
Jordan, Antigua, andBarbados have receivedthis training.Leonard Nessen
E-mail:lnessen@cfsan.fda.gov  Tel:  202-205-4606
Food Safety Better Process Control Schools -
Low-Acid and Acidified CannedFoodsFDA participates in the "Better Process
Control Schools" industry-governmentcollaboration. The activity is intended toprovide food industries in developingcountries with training in the handling,monitoring and documentation of thermally
processed low-acid and acidified canned
foods.  In addition, the "schools" haveconcentrated on improving the safety andquality of foods produced in developingcountries for domestic consumption andexport markets and providing an
understanding of the food safety import
requirements of the United States.Costa Rica (1997)
Morocco (1998)the Philippines (1997)Jamaica (1995)Charles Cooper
E-mail: ccooper@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:202-205-5042G/SPS/GEN/181
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Sector Description of Particular
Program:Form of assistance: Provided to: Contacts:
Food Safety Seafood Safety
Since December 1997, FDA hasimplemented a comprehensiveseafood safety program based onthe principles of Hazard Analysis
and Critical Control Points
(HACCP)FDA's HACCP program is intended to
ensure the safety of domestic US andimported seafood.  FDA has conductedextensive outreach activities to thegovernments and seafood industries of
exporting countries to describe the purpose
of FDA seafood regulations.  This outreacheffort includes numerous seminars and otherpresentations by FDA technical staff on theFDA HACCP regulations and on howexporting countries can facilitate the ability
of their seafood industries to produce safe
seafood according to HACCP principles.These presentations have
been given in countriesof all regions of theworld.Charles Cooper
E-mail: ccooper@cfsan.fda.gov Tel:202-205-5042
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