FDA Seeks $4.3bn to Prevent Food-Borne Illness

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking $4.3bn to protect and promote public health as part of President Obama’s 2012 budget.

The proposal, a 33% increase from the fiscal 2010 enacted budget, covers $324m to transform food safety and nutrition programmes and implement the Food Safety Modernisation Act.

The FDA will also establish a prevention-focused food safety system and leverage the work of its state and local food safety partners.

The agency has proposed to invest $70m in advancing medical countermeasures to respond to serious national security threats, including those of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear nature.