oy ; DEPARTMENT OF HRALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ae Food and Drag Administration Chicago District Office Central Region 3008. Riverside Plaza 5" Floor, Suito 650 South Chicago, I 60606 ‘Telephone: (312) 259-5863 AX; (312) 886-3280 July 9, 2003 To Whom it May Concern Mr. Christopher B. Harding was employed as an Investigator with the Chicago District of the United States Food and Drug Administration from July 28, 2002 through July 11, 2003. During his tenure with FDA Mr. Harding worked at the O’ Hare Resident Post and reported directly to me. His duties included making field examinations and sample collections of imported products, and performing inspections and investigations of domestic manufacturing facilities. Mr. Harding completed his work assignments in a satisfactory manner. Mr, Harding is hard working and was well prepared for assignments that he was given. He demonstrated this preparation in an examination he made of imported bottled water. He determined that the product was labeled with unacceptable levels of fluoride. Mr. Harding also participated in a district initiative examining and sampling cheese imported from Mexico. Mr. Harding sampled and documented the shipment of product found at a small grocery store. The product was found to be unacceptable and a recommendation was made for its seizure. Mr. Harding has good observational and technical skills. He identified some discrepancies in the storage of some of the district’s inspectional supplies. His observation helped ensure that equipment was suitable for its use. Mr. Harding received a special cash award for this finding, Mr, Harding also demonstrated an ability to review technical reports and data. He is able to review technical records and manufacturing processes. Sincerely, ee Stephen Fich Supervisory Investigator