FDA Electronic Inspection System Updated.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Electronic Inspection System (EIS) is an inspection and food safety database management tool developed several years ago to aid federal, state, and local regulatory food agencies in FDA Food Code implementation and regulatory program management.

Numerous regulatory food agencies have implemented EIS or have indicated a desire to use it. Now EIS is being updated. A new EIS 2000 edition will have all the features of the current system as well as improvements and enhancements. To ensure that EIS 2000 is operational as soon as possible, it is being developed in two stages, or versions. Each version will include a feature for importing data to EIS 2000 from the EIS system in use at the time.

In Version 1.0, an interim version to be ready by April 15, the old system will be converted to a Y2K-compliant, Windows-based language. Version 1.0 also will include minor corrections that require minimal programming effort. Some examples are changing the regulation number field to accommodate an alphanumeric citation, correcting formatting problems with reports, adding the capability to check spelling and wrap words, and correcting errors to minimize corruption of files. Version 1.0 can be downloaded from FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Web site at [less than]www.cfsan.fda.gov[greater than] or it can be purchased in CD-ROM format.

Version 2.0 will involve further enhancements and major corrections. Among the enhancements FDA is considering for this version are

* a design for use with hand-held computers;

* network compatibility;

* compatibility that would allow data to be copied from EIS into word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphics PC software; and

* a "help desk" to resolve problems or answer questions.

Also planned is a comprehensive inspection package for the FDA Interstate Travel Program. This package will include inspection aids for certain nonfood operations such as swimming pools, spas, and child care facilities.

FDA welcomes and encourages suggestions for system improvements, enhancements, user manual development, and beta testing of EIS 2000. Every attempt will be made to address recommendations that appear to be common to the majority of respondents.