Governments

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U.S.A.

U.K.

Canada

Netherlands

Australia

Map of U.S. Government Agencies

The interrelationships of U.S. Government agencies are quite complex, as evidenced by the diagram below. Responsibility for food safety is fragmented. For example, a cow is split between two agencies - the USDA inspecting her meat, and the FDA regulating her milk! Agencies are all too willing to "pass the buck" if there is the slightest question of responsibility.

Since the formation of PARA in 1997, and the publication of websites detailing the possible connection between MAP and Crohn's disease, much has happened in the government arena in several countries.  (Visit our Governments Overview page for detailed information.)  PARA commends the Governments of the world that are beginning to address the MAP problem. The UK is leading the way on the Food Safety Issue, while other countries, including the U.S. are failing to exert the precautionary principle on this issue.  

The comprehensive research agenda of NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) and the Working Document Potential Infectious Causes of Crohn's Disease from CDC, pave the way for other agencies responsible for human health and food safety to exercise the precautionary principle and take immediate action to protect the public.

The diagram below shows the interrelationships between various U.S. government agencies and private organizations.  We would encourage you to visit the pages devoted to each of these agencies to learn more about the "Government Breakdown".