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  1. Non-Profit and Other MOUs

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Between the
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY AND APPLIED NUTRITION
and the
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY


I.  PURPOSE

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and the American Chemical Society (ACS), each a “Party” and collectively the “Parties”, provides a framework for coordination and collaboration to promote the best science and practices associated with food chemistry and regulatory science. Both CFSAN, ACS, and its members share an interest in the chemical sciences - which are important to all aspects of food science including packaging, additives, and food safety. The Parties recognize the importance of fostering collaboration, communication and scientific training in chemistry. This MOU is intended to describe their proposed collaboration for stimulating the understanding of and innovation in the chemistry aspects of food science, regulatory science, education, and training. 

II.  BACKGROUND

The FDA is a science-based regulatory agency which actively engages in scientific research and review, and is authorized to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) as amended (21 U.S.C. 301).  In fulfilling its responsibilities under the Act, the FDA, among other things, directs its activities toward promoting and protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs, biologics, veterinary products, medical devices and radiological products and the safety and security of foods and cosmetics. To accomplish its mission, the FDA must stay abreast of the latest developments in research and communicate with stakeholders about complex scientific and public health issues. Within FDA, CFSAN is a science-based research and regulatory organization that has the responsibility to promote and protect the public’s health by ensuring that the United States’ food supply is safe, secure, sanitary, and properly characterized and labeled, as well as ensuring the safety of substances added to food, and proper labeling of dietary supplements and cosmetic products.

ACS is committed to its mission of advancing the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people. The ACS fulfills its mission by providing authoritative, comprehensive chemistry-related information and solutions; empowering members and member communities; advancing chemistry education; and communicating chemistry’s value to the public and policymakers.

III.  SUBSTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT

CFSAN and the ACS both agree to partner to promote the best science and practices associated with food chemistry and regulatory science. This will be accomplished by:

  • Collaborating on scientific training that addresses chemistry-related topics in the areas of food science, such as food safety, dietary supplements, food additives, and packaging, which are relevant to the mission of CFSAN;
  • Facilitating dialogue between the scientists in CFSAN, FDA, other government and public organizations, academics, and industries on emerging topics and technologies;
  • Engaging in and collaborating in relevant seminars, workshops, training, and other activities on emerging chemistry topics and techniques, as appropriate; and
  • Promoting professional development opportunities to advance education and research in food science.

The FDA intends to share only publicly available information with ACS as a part of this collaboration. In addition, this MOU does not and is not intended to transfer to either Party any rights in any technology or intellectual property.

IV.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

a. This MOU represents the broad outline of the Parties’ intent to engage in collaborative efforts related to food chemistry and regulatory science, which is of mutual interest to CFSAN and ACS. All activities undertaken pursuant to the MOU are subject to the availability of personnel, resources, and funds.

b. This MOU does not affect or supersede any existing or future agreements or arrangements among the Parties and does not affect the ability of the Parties to enter into other agreements or arrangements related to this MOU.

c. This MOU and all associated agreements will be subject to the applicable policies, rules, regulations, and statutes under which FDA and ACS operate.

V.   LIAISON OFFICERS

A. For ACS

Mary Kirchhoff, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President, Scientific Advancement
American Chemical Society

B. For the Food and Drug Administration

 Allen Rudman, Ph.D.
 Senior Advisor
 Senior Science and Policy Staff
 Office of Food Additive Safety, CFSAN, FDA


Each Party may designate new liaisons at any time by notifying the other Party’s administrative liaison in writing.  If, at any time, an individual designated as a liaison under this agreement becomes unavailable to fulfill those functions, the Parties will name a new liaison within 2 weeks and notify the other Party through the designated administrative liaison.

VI. TERM, TERMINATION, and MODIFICATION

This MOU, when accepted by all participating Parties, will have an effective period of performance from the date of the latest signature until five (5) years and may be modified or terminated by mutual written consent by both Parties or may be terminated by either Party upon a 60-day advance written notice to the other.

APPROVED AND ACCEPTED FOR
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
 
By: 
Dr. Thomas M. Connelly, Jr., Ph.D.
Executive Director and CEO
American Chemical Society

Date:

June 4, 2019 

APPROVED AND ACCEPTED FOR
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

By:
Susan T. Mayne, Ph.D.
Director
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Date:

June 4, 2019

 

 

 
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