By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt toured the Peace Bridge Tuesday as part of his ongoing study of the safety of food and drug imports.
President Bush asked Leavitt to chair a working group on the issue and to report back to him within 60 days. Leavitt was on hand with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach as a truck filled with potatoes from Canada was being inspected by border guards.
Leavitt says new technology is key to improving the inspections process. He says electronic monitoring devices will help border guards determine which containers need to be opened and their products physically inspected.
Right now, U-S Customs officials tell WBFO News that they turn away only a small percentage of food shipments crossing the Peace Bridge.