Purpose

The objective of our follow-up was to assess the extent of implementation, as of May 28, 2015, of the three recommendations included in our initial audit report.

Background

Our initial audit report was issued on January 30, 2014 and covered the period of April 1, 2011 through September 18, 2013. The objective was to determine whether the Department adequately monitors the processing, distribution, and sale of food products in New York State. During the original audit, we found that the Department’s Division of Food Safety and Inspection (Division) was unable to meet the demands of its inspection frequency schedule, and identified instances of both existing and new establishments preparing food prior to obtaining the required inspection as a result. In addition, the Division’s staff of 82 inspectors was below the staffing level recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Division lacked formal performance measurement systems.

Key Finding

Department officials made significant progress in addressing the problems we identified in the initial audit. Of the three prior audit recommendations, two were implemented and one was partially implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.

Other Related Audits/Reports of Interest

Department of Agriculture and Markets: Food Safety Monitoring (2013-S-27)
Department of Agriculture and Markets: Dairy Inspections (2014-S-16)