The charge is to develop a strategic long- range plan that can be used to help set priorities, improve coordination and efficiency, identify gaps in the current system and mechanisms to fill those gaps, continue to enhance and strengthen prevention and intervention strategies, and identify measures to show progress. The food safety agencies have already taken the first steps to lay the groundwork for development of the strategic plan, which the Council will now develop, by participating in interagency strategic planning sessions. The result is the following draft statement encompassing the agencies' vision for the U.S. food safety system and the roles of all those involved in food safety. Draft Vision Statement Consumers can be confident that food is safe, healthy, and affordable. We are vigilant to new and emergent threats and consider the needs of vulnerable populations.
Food is safe because everyone understands and accepts their responsibilities.
The next step is to engage consumers, producers, industry, food service providers, retailers, health professionals, State and local governments, Tribes, academia, and the public in the strategic planning process. The series of meetings announced today, in addition to the October 2nd meeting, will assist the Council with development of a long-term strategic plan that addresses the important food safety challenges and makes the best use of the agencies' limited resources. They will also assist the Council in responding to the President on the NAS recommendations. Additional public meetings may be held later in the strategic planning process and will be announced in the Federal Register prior to the date of each meeting. The purpose of these meetings, along with the October 2nd meeting, is to obtain the public's view on a long-term vision for food safety in the U.S. and to identify a strategic planning process, goals, and critical steps as well as potential barriers to achieving that vision.