Federal government needs to reduce fragmentation in food safety oversight
In March 2009, President Obama established the Food Safety Working Group (FSWG) to coordinate federal efforts and establish food safety goals to make food safer. Section 21 of Public Law 111-139 mandated that GAO identify programs, agencies, offices and initiatives with duplicated goals and activities. The review examines:
Creation of the FSWG elevated food safety to a national priority, demonstrated strong commitment and top leadership support and was designed to foster interagency collaboration on this cross-cutting issue. Although much has been accomplished, there is much more to do, and GAO has issued a recommendation.