FDA and the Grasping of Straws?

Good Importing Practices is the Draft of the effort of FDA to tell us to do the right thing... And gives some suggestions.

Rightfully so, FDA states that compliance is a "shared responsibility between the public and private" groups. I have long advocated many of the suggestions [particularly knowing from whom you are buying products] but find this all a bit humorous given the current FDA FILE problems I have had with the Agency in the Port of LA.

I have been told "not to contact FDA directly" as the Inspectors "do not want to talk to the Importer!" I have been ignored when trying to contact with information. There is no dialog with any one there and in fact, if you should actually get an FDA employee on the phone, they will only talk to you about ONE ENTRY at a time. Call back if you have more then one!

It seems to me that Good Practices start with good communication. IF the import community could go on line and, by entry number, have a dialog or see a status of shipments, we would be further along the way to Good Practices...

Right now there is only animosity in the west as sales fall and port traffic is down and FDA can't tell low acid foods from others!