In industry self-monitoring programs, often partners are much more demanding of one another. Neither party wants to let the other down.
Holman’s comments reminded me of a great example of industry and government cooperation that has enhanced efficiencies and reduced costs for the government and has improved quality and safety in the dried fruit and nut industry in California. The program is the agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the FDA and DFA of California (Dried Fruit Association). (DFA has changed its name to the American Council for Food Safety and Quality, but many in the industry still refer to the organization as DFA.)