The Food and Drug Administration announced last Friday that it is seeking public comments, along with scientific data and information, to help the agency identify and evaluate ways to minimize the impact of harmful bacteria in cheeses made from unpasteurized milk. The comments and data will help FDA with its ongoing evaluation of the current 60-day aging requirements for raw milk cheeses.
In the notices, FDA said it recognizes that there is broad diversity in cheese manufacturing operations and knows that many factors go into ensuring the safety of the food. The agency wants to learn more about current practices used by a wide variety of producers, including the artisanal cheese manufacturing community.
FDA is taking this action in part based on findings from a joint quantitative risk assessment by the agency and Health Canada that also was released on Friday as a Final Notice. IDFA worked with FDA on this risk assessment, initially released in 2013, and submitted comments in support of its approach.
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