The U.S. Food Safety System and Its Implications for Korea

The purpose of this paper is to explore the U.S. food safety system and programs, and draw policy implications for Korea which now faces serious criticism from consumers. Following principles are important for the U.S. food safety system: 1) safe and wholesome food may be marketed; (2) regulatory decision-making in food safety be science-based; (3) the government's enforcement responsibility; and, (5) the regulatory process be transparent and accessible to the public. The lessons we learn from the U.S. food safety system are: 1) strict management of import inspection system; 2) enforcement of preventive measures; 3) efficient management of food safety administration; and, 4) increasing responsibility of food manufacturer and distributors. In addition, enforcement of current food safety programs including, country of origin, HACCP, tracebility, etc be equally important for the effective implementation of food safety programs