Some apply only to produce and others to beef, lamb or specific fruits and vegetables. Once these products have passed import inspection, however, they are treated as domestic products and no longer require such labels if they are further processed. Thus, the state laws bills proposed in Congress require labeling at the retail level. Government surveillance programs have consistently shown that imports do not have higher levels of pesticide residues than U.S.-grown products. In a review of foodborne illness, GAO found that U.S. products were the cause of 10 of the 12 outbreaks since 1990 in which the source country could be identified.
Foods imported into the United States are subject to the same safety standards as domestic products.
Two federal regulatory agencies are directly involved in inspecting and ensuring the quality of both domestic and imported food items. These products must satisfy the same standards as domestic products. They also may be subject to additional restrictions because of animal diseases in their country of origin. IP inspectors examine meat and poultry products upon entry into this country after they have passed inspection in the countries from which they were exported. Only meat and poultry products prepared at certified plants in eligible countries may be imported.