Establishing New Federal Food-Buying Procedures Would Help Eliminate Unnecessary Special Examinations

摘要

The Departments of Agriculture and Defense and the Veterans Administration spend at least $2.5 billion a year on food purchases. Special examinations (called certifications) made at the food suppliers' facilities to verify compliance with federal contract specifications account for part of this cost. During fiscal year 1982, the direct cost for certification services was $18 million. However, the overall cost to the government was higher because the certification procedures disrupt suppliers' production processes, thereby increasing production costs. Federal policy on food purchases states that buying agencies should weigh the costs and risks of receiving unsatisfactory products before they require certification. The buying agencies generally have not been following this policy. Moreover, certification examinations of meat and poultry products often duplicate existing federal food safety inspections or do not consider the suppliers' quality control programs. GAO recommendations are included.