FDA Regulation of Domestic Waterborne Transoortation

摘要

The domestic waterborne transportation industry consists of a broad range of passenger vessels including commuter ferries, dinner cruise ships, and luxury cruise ships. Although there are a few large corporations with recognizable names in the business, the majority of the industry is comprised of small independent operators. U.S. Coast Guard data indicate that approximately 3,500 companies operate a total of almost 9,800 vessels. The nature of food service on these vessels varies from prepackaged drinks and snacks to freshly prepared gourmet meals to buffets open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just as food prepared on land is subject to food safety requirements, so is the food served on these vessels. Not only is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responsible for enforcing food safety regulations on these vessels, it is also responsible for enforcing regulations related to general sanitary conditions on the vessels, including compliance with certain design criteria. FDA jurisdiction and inspection responsibility for vessels is governed by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, and the Passenger Vessel Services Act. FDA's authority extends to U.S. flagged passenger vessels, combination passenger and cargo vessels, ferries and excursion vessels in interstate commerce.