The latest from the NHB's newletter available at
http://www.nhb.org/buzz/index.html

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The National Honey Board has prepared and mailed a summary of how these new
regulations affect honey businesses. The summary is also available to
download or call the Board office to request a copy
(http://www.nhb.org/download/bioter/bioterrorism.pdf).



It appears that the recordkeeping rule that is part of the Bioterrorism Act
will not be finalized by Dec. 12 as expected. The FDA states that it plans
to finalize this rule by the end of March 2004.
(http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00988.html) In addition, the FDA
and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) signed a memorandum of
understanding that allows FDA to commission thousands of CBP officers in
ports and other locations to conduct investigations and examinations of
imported foods on FDA's behalf.



Finally, the FDA and Customs announced there will be an eight-month
transition period during which the prior notice requirement
(http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/%7Epn/cpgpn.html) for imported foods will be
phased in. Until March 12, 2004, the FDA and Customs will not refuse
admission to food imports simply because the FDA has not received an
adequate prior notice for the article of food. The transition period will
end on Aug. 12, 2004. Use the FDA's Prior Notice System Interface.

( http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/%7Epn/pnoview.html  )

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