With Irish dairy continuing to make strides in the mature and large US market, and the possibility that this growth may be augmented with a potential TTIP trade agreement, ICOS took the opportunity to meet the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials who are putting in place a new ‘Food Safety Modernisation Act’.

The new regulation is a one thousand page work that overs all aspects of food safety and food and feed import rules coming into the US.

From an ICOS perspective, we have been working with both EU and US officials to ensure any rule changes encourage and simplify trade. We are also aiming to reduce the cost burdens of Irish co-operative dairy companies in administering sales to the US from Ireland.

The US have traditionally operated some of the strictest set of rules available in terms of food imports, and it is important that we get clear and rational lines of best practice to operate in the area.

A workable clarification of the linked ‘Grade A Pasteurised Milk Ordinance’ is also a priority of ICOS to deliver on to further drive potential exports.

For further details on the act the FDA have this active website which details the elements of the act and procedures. www.fda.gov/fsma

By Conor Mulvihill

European Affairs Executive