PRESS RELEASE

Belmopan, November 25, 2003

IMPORTANT REMINDER ON THE US BIOTERRORISM ACT

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority, BAHA, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, OIRSA and BELTRAIDE, would like to remind the general public about the enforcement of the United States "Public Health, Preparedness and Response Act Against Bio-terrorism", known as THE BIOTERRORISM ACT, proposed by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). This act will come into effect on December 12, 2003.

The bio-terrorism act requires that all exporters of food commodities to the United States register with the FDA before December 12, 2003. In addition, prior notice of all consignments entering the US will need to be made effective that day.

Companies have to register with the FDA on-line. To facilitate this process, BAHA has compiled a fact sheet called "Guidelines for Registering with the FDA". The fact sheet can be found here on BAHA's web-site (click here) or can be obtained from the offices listed below.

For any additional information on the bio-terrorism act, please feel free to contact BAHA's personnel at the following numbers:

• Belize City - Dr. Michael DeShield at 011-501-224-4794
• Central Farm - Mr. Margarito Garcia at 011-501-824-4899 or
                      Mr. Roberto Manzanero at 011-501-824-4872
• Belmopan - Ms. Teresita Chacon at 011-501-822-0197 or 011-501-822-0818

BAHA would like to remind all stakeholders that non-compliance with this Act will be considered a federal offence by the United States of America.

END

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