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Bioterror Bill Adds Funds for Food Inspectorsto sign as early as this week a bill to fund anti-bioterrorism measures, including $545 million to add hundreds of food inspectors at ports of entry. Both the House and Senate passed the "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002" by overwhelming bipartisan majorities. "The final food provisions in the bill are appropriately

Bioterror Bill Adds Funds for Food Inspectors

to sign as early as this week a bill to fund anti-bioterrorism measures, including $545 million to add hundreds of food inspectors at ports of entry. Both the House and Senate passed the "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002" by overwhelming bipartisan majorities. "The final food provisions in the bill are appropriately tailored to address intentional threats to the food supply," said C. Manly Molpus, president and chief executive officer, Grocery Manufacturers of America, Washington, in a prepared statement. In addition to funding additional food inspectors for the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the bill also gives the FDA new powers to inspect suspicious foods and contains additional requirements for notification about imported foods. The Food Marketing Institute, Washington, also praised the bill, applauding the removal of a requirement that food retailers be registered with the federal government. The $4.6 billion bill is aimed at stockpiling vaccines, improving food security and protecting drinking water systems. In addition, it reauthorizes a program of user fees paid by drug companies to speed the review and approval of new medicines.