Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) are calling upon the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clarify its position on the aging of some cheeses on wooden shelves. Several members of Congress, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, and numerous state departments of agriculture have actively sought to determine the intent of FDA’s actions, which appeared to prohibit cheese production in facilities that use wooden shelving to age cheeses.
“Artisanal cheeses are important products in the burgeoning local food movement found throughout the United States,” said Chuck Ross, President of NASDA and Vermont Secretary of Agriculture. “Centuries of artisanal cheese production experience and extensive government regulation have led to a safe cheese supply for consumers. Regulatory policy should be specific enough to allow for these distinct cheeses to mature. Any changes should be based upon a thorough understanding of our historic practices and peer-reviewed scientific analysis. For example, we know cheese has been aged on wood for centuries and heat treatment of wood can control microbes that can affect cheese safety. Therefore, wood shelves do not need to be banned to help assure the safety of these cheeses.”
Through some recent correspondence and actions, FDA appeared to have hardened its position regarding the aging of washed rind cheeses on wooden shelves. This has created great concern and uncertainty within the cheese industry. Through clarifications provided in the past 48 hours, FDA is now seeking to restate its position. In its most recent posting the FDA says, “to be clear, we have not and are not prohibiting or banning the long-standing practice of using wood shelving in artisanal cheese.” To further clarify its position, FDA has also agreed to convene a group of academics, industry, and state regulatory officials to determine the best practices that may need to be in place to assure the continuation of artisanal cheeses that are aged in a safe environment. “Food safety is a top priority for NASDA. However, we do not want to unnecessarily burden small producers or change the character of these high-end cheeses unless there is a known food safety issue. NASDA supports FDA’s desire to get additional input on this issue,” Secretary Ross indicated.
NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.
Source: Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)