(FDA: Silver Spring, MD) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched two new pilot projects to enhance the agency’s and industry’s ability to trace products responsible for foodborne illness outbreaks.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific society consisting of professionals engaged in food science, food technology, and related professions, will carry out the pilots at the direction of the FDA, under an existing FDA contract.

The Food Safety Modernization Act requires the FDA to establish at least two pilot projects: one involving produce, and one involving processed foods. Signed into law in January 2011, the act also directs the FDA to establish recordkeeping requirements for high-risk foods to help in tracing products.

“We can prevent illnesses and reduce the economic impact to the food industry if we can more quickly determine what foods may be causing an outbreak and what foods can be eliminated from consideration,” says Michael R. Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner for foods. “We recognize the importance of engaging stakeholders throughout the process and will consider what is practical for facilities of varying sizes and capabilities.”

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