FDA's Role in Foodborne Disease and Cosmetic Emergencies

 

Dr. Sanders has been a member of the Emergency Coordination and Response Staff at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition of the Food and Drug Administration since 1999. He is part of a group that leads investigations and responses to emergencies and terrorism events involving food and cosmetic products regulated by FDA. He coordinates these activities with other federal, state, and local agencies and helps develop strategies for the prevention and detection of future outbreaks and emergencies.

 

Prior to his affiliation with the FDA, Dr. Sanders was the Southeastern Regional Epidemiology Officer for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for 9 years. He reviewed and coordinated Veterinary Services disease eradication programs, introduced new tools and skills to the Region such as Geographical Information Systems, Risk Analysis and accompanying software packages, and provided epidemiologic training programs for field veterinarians. Before APHIS, Dr. Sanders worked for the Food Safety and Inspection Service, fielding consumer complaints about illnesses related to meat and poultry products for the Epidemiology Branch's Meat borne Hazard Control Center. He started his career with FSIS as an inspector in charge at poultry plants in Alabama. During his tenure as a Federal employee, Dr. Sanders has received numerous awards and honors including 6 Certificates of Merit, Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service, Commissioner's Special Citation, and 18 other awards.

 

Dr. Sanders earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee and is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. He is the Chairperson of the US Animal Health Association Public Health and Rabies committee. He is on the National Association of Federal Veterinarians Board of Directors, representing veterinarians in Health and Human Service and other non DOD or USDA departments. He is the President Elect for American Association of Public Health Veterinarians. He is a member of the America Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Association of Food Hygiene Veterinarians.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the government agency responsible for the regulation of food and drugs manufactured and sold in the U.S.