September 11, 2007
Cabinet Study Says Safety Must Precede U.S. Border
By ANDREW MARTIN
A working group appointed by President Bush recommended yesterday that the current system for inspecting imported goods at borders be overhauled in favor of an approach that focused on points of vulnerability that arise before products like food and toys reach the United States.

The group recommended preventing problems by building safety into manufacturing and distribution, intervening when risks were identified and responding quickly after an unsafe product made its way into the country.

Such risk-based approaches have been embraced by private industry and some federal agencies as better and more efficient ways to ensure product safety. The Agriculture Department, for example, uses this approach for meat inspections.

The working group, which was set up on July 18 amid a flurry of problems with imports from China, is now seeking comments before releasing a more detailed report in November.

“Fundamental change in our strategy is being recommended,â€