FEMA Food Seizure Regulations

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is part of the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA was created in 1979 to take over the responsibilities of several other emergency management organizations as part of President Jimmy Carter's efforts to streamline the government. FEMA must respect the law just as any other government agency and is not authorized to seize food from private individuals or businesses.

Duties

• FEMA is responsible for helping U.S. citizens to recover from and survive disasters. FEMA provides emergency food, shelter and rescue services during disasters both natural and man-made. It also works with insurance companies to make sure that victims of disasters are fairly compensated if they lost property or loved ones.

  When it was created, FEMA assumed all the responsibilities of the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration, the Federal Insurance Administration, the Federal Preparedness Agency and the National Weather Service Community Preparedness Program. Though FEMA does its best to assist disaster victims, it encourages the public to be prepared for an emergency. FEMA suggests families maintain three or four days worth of food and bottled water, a flashlight, a radio and batteries in their home.

Powers

• FEMA is subject to the same laws as any other government agency. FEMA has stockpiles of food that it distributes during emergencies. Rumors tell of FEMA's ability to seize food supplies, but they are unfounded. These rumors were raised after President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order that some worried gave the government the rights to their property in emergencies.

  The misunderstanding arose from wording in the order such as "the secretary [of agriculture] shall develop plans for salvage of food resources after determination by proper authorities having the responsibility for this function, of their safety for human or animal consumption and develop plans for the rehabilitation of food resource facilities after attack." This order was issued before FEMA existed and was revoked by President Richard M. Nixon.

Ensuring Food Safety

• If a devastating disease or chemical contaminant pollutes much of the U.S. food supply, FEMA will quarantine the affected foods. FEMA's response to these disasters is conducted in cooperation with state and local authorities as well as private industry. As part of its regulations, FEMA is expected to compensate food producers for any damages incurred during its response to food-related emergencies.