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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Last Published: 08/21/2014

Introduction to FOIA

Welcome to the FNS Freedom of Information Act Home Page. The FOIA (5 U.S.C. §552) was enacted in 1966 and provides that any person has the right to request access to Federal agency records or information, except to the extent that such records are protected from release by a FOIA exemption or exclusion. It is FNS policy to release information to the fullest extent of the law including releasing information that may be legally withheld provided there is no foreseeable harm associated with the release. This right of access is enforceable in court.

The 1996 amendments to the FOIA (E-FOIA) mandate that agency responses to popular requests and other materials routinely available to the public be made available to the public electronically. FNS maintains a public reading room (Library) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. You can make arrangements to visit FNS’ public reading room by contacting the FNS FOIA Officer at (703) 305-2958

Requesting Records under FOIA from FNS:

In order to receive the most efficient response, all requests for records under FOIA from USDA should be submitted in writing to the appropriate USDA agency FOIA officer who is responsible for the desired records.

For status of any existing FOIA requests, please contact:

  • FOIA Requester Service Center  (703) 305-2963

  • FOIA Public Liaison: (703) 605-0773