TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Federal officials are strengthening how three agencies coordinate testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in the nation’s food supply, saying the changes come as consumers increasingly want to know more about the food they bring home.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services and Environmental Protection Agency recently signed a July 10 memorandum of understanding designed to improve information sharing and coordination among the agencies responsible for monitoring contaminants in food.
The agreement does not create a new food testing program. Instead, it builds on existing efforts by establishing a framework for the agencies to share data, coordinate surveillance and respond more efficiently when contaminants are detected…