GAO’s recommendations database contains report recommendations that still need to be addressed.
GAO’s priority recommendations are those that we believe warrant priority attention.
We sent letters to the heads of key departments and agencies, urging them to continue focusing on these issues.
Below you can search only priority recommendations, or search all recommendations.
Our recommendations help congressional and agency leaders prepare for appropriations and oversight activities, as well as help improve government operations.
Moreover, when implemented, some of our priority recommendations can save large amounts of money, help Congress make decisions on major issues, and substantially improve or transform major government programs or agencies, among other benefits.
As of October 25, 2020, there are 4812 open recommendations, of which 473 are priority recommendations. Recommendations remain open until they are designated as Closed-implemented or Closed-not implemented.
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Recommendation: The Secretary of Agriculture should work with the Commissioner of FDA to develop a mechanism to facilitate coordination with relevant nonfederal stakeholders, including state, local, and tribal governments, on actions related to date labels as part of their efforts to reduce food loss and waste. (Recommendation 1)
Agency: Department of Agriculture Status: Open
Comments: USDA agreed with our recommendation and is planning actions to implement the recommendation.
Recommendation: The Commissioner of FDA should work with the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a mechanism to facilitate coordination with relevant nonfederal stakeholders, including state, local, and tribal governments, on actions related to date labels as part of their efforts to reduce food loss and waste. (Recommendation 2)
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug Administration Status: Open
Comments: FDA agreed with our recommendation and is taking actions to implement the recommendation. For example, as of August 2020, FDA said it is meeting regularly with USDA and EPA to coordinate activities including to clarify and communicate information on food date labels. FDA also named a representative to the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) Food Recovery Committee. FDA is encouraging the Committee to explore how date labels on packaged foods can create a barrier to food donation and to track state legislative activities related to date labeling of food. We will update the status of this recommendation as FDA makes more progress.
