The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Interstate Travel within the United States through its Interstate Travel Program (ITP). This program focuses on passenger-carrying conveyances and their associated support facilities, aiming to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and maintain sanitation standards. Whether you operate aircraft, charter coaches, railroad passenger cars, or vessels that cross state lines, understanding and adhering to ITP regulations is essential. This also extends to support facilities like caterers, commissaries, watering points, and waste-handling services, all critical components of safe interstate travel.
The legal foundation for the ITP stems from the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Act, which established the Interstate Quarantine Regulations (IQRs). These regulations are further detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically 21 CFR Part 1240, Control of Communicable Diseases, and 21 CFR Part 1250, Interstate Conveyance Sanitation. These regulations outline the FDA’s authority and the specific requirements for various aspects of interstate travel.
Key Regulatory Areas of Interstate Travel
Potable Water Standards
A critical aspect of the ITP is ensuring access to safe drinking water on conveyances. 21 CFR 1240 Subpart E mandates that only potable water, meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Primary Drinking Water Standards (40 CFR 141), can be used for drinking and culinary purposes on conveyances operating in interstate traffic. Furthermore, the FDA must approve all watering points and onboard water treatment processes used to supply this potable water. This stringent regulation ensures that passengers have access to safe and clean water throughout their journey, minimizing the risk of waterborne illnesses during interstate travel.
Sanitation Requirements for Conveyances and Support Facilities
21 CFR 1250 provides a comprehensive framework for sanitation across different facets of interstate travel. This regulation is divided into several subparts, each addressing a specific area:
- (A) Definitions: Clarifies the terms used within the regulation to ensure consistent understanding and application.
- (B) Food Service Sanitation on Land and Air Conveyances and Vessels: Establishes sanitation standards for food service operations onboard various types of conveyances, ensuring food safety during interstate travel.
- (C) Equipment and Operation of Land and Air Conveyances: Details the requirements for the equipment and operational aspects of land and air conveyances to maintain sanitary conditions.
- (D) Servicing Areas for Land and Air Conveyances: Focuses on the sanitation standards for support facilities, such as watering points and waste-handling areas, crucial for maintaining overall hygiene in interstate travel systems.
- (E) Sanitation Facilities and Conditions on Vessels: Outlines specific sanitation requirements for vessels, addressing the unique challenges of maritime interstate travel.
To provide further clarity and practical guidance, the FDA has developed handbooks that offer in-depth information on the construction and operation requirements for all four conveyance types and their support facilities. These handbooks serve as valuable resources for operators seeking to comply with the complex regulatory landscape of interstate travel.
Food Safety Guidance
Beyond conveyance-specific regulations, the FDA Food Code provides additional guidance for foodservice operations at caterers, commissaries, and onboard conveyances. This code is a valuable resource for ensuring food safety at every stage of interstate travel food service. Moreover, 21 CFR Part 117 (formerly 21 CFR 110) outlines the regulatory background for food manufacturing aspects at fixed facilities like caterers and commissaries. Understanding these regulations is crucial for support facilities involved in food preparation and handling for interstate travel.
Interstate Travel Program Resources and Contacts
Navigating these regulations can be complex. The FDA provides numerous resources to assist operators and support facilities in understanding and complying with the ITP requirements. The FDA website, fda.gov, hosts a wealth of information related to ITP operations and compliance activities. For specific queries or assistance, the FDA also provides a directory of contacts within the Certificate of Sanitary Construction (CSC) Division, organized by geographic region. These contacts can provide guidance and support related to interstate travel regulations and compliance.
Understanding and adhering to the FDA’s Interstate Travel Program is paramount for all stakeholders in the interstate travel industry. By focusing on potable water safety, comprehensive sanitation standards, and food safety guidance, the FDA ensures a safer and healthier travel experience for the public. Utilizing the available resources and maintaining open communication with FDA contacts are key steps towards successful compliance and contributing to the safety of interstate travel.
Contact Information for Certificate of Sanitary Construction (CSC) Division
(Please note: Contact information may be subject to change. Always refer to the official FDA website for the most up-to-date details.)
OHFI-East Division 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont)
- Chris Fields: 631-787-3002 x 1014, [email protected]
OHFI-East Division 2 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania)
- Austin Appler: 410-779-5714, [email protected]
OHFI-East Division 3 (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia)
- Robin Goins: 336-333-5419 x 107, [email protected]
- Juliana Falla: 404-669-4564 x 4564, juliana.falla.fda.hhs.gov
OHFI-East Division 4 (Florida, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
- Blaine Lewis: 813-915-7990, [email protected]
OHFI-Central Division 1 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan)
- Matthew Buenconsejo: 312-596-4266, [email protected]
- John Woodall: 240-753-4500, [email protected]
- Rasha Bamieh: 313-393-8188, [email protected]
- Todd Dang: 312-596-4258, [email protected]
OHFI-Central Division 2 (Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee)
- Larry Estavan: 504-846-6106, [email protected]
- Andrew Todd: 502-425-1027, [email protected]
OHFI-Central Division 3 (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin)
- Mada Tautges: 612-758-7152, [email protected]
OHFI-Central Division 4 (Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma)
- Melva Palmer: 913-495-5116, [email protected]
- Heath Cartwright: 913-495-5149, [email protected]
- Ryan Martin: 913-495-5119, [email protected]
OHFI-Central Division 5 (Texas)
- Frans Mercado: 713-293-1421, [email protected]
OHFI-West Division 1 (Southern California)
- Nianna Burns: 562-256-9272, [email protected]
OHFI-West Division 2 (Central and Northern California)
- Dena Jacobs: Office: 916-930-3674 x 1121, [email protected]
- Quynh Strandberg: Office: 510-337-6789, [email protected]
OHFI-West Division 3 (Alaska, American Samoa, Commonwealth of Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
- Jeff Gerdes: 425-302-0452, [email protected]
OHFI-West Division 4 (Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming)
- Laura VanWagenen: 303-236-3093, [email protected]
