WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh Produce Association applauds the announcement by FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine Michael Taylor that FDA will issue a second round of draft rules concerning key provisions and seek additional public comments. The rule provisions undergoing major revisions focus on water quality standards and testing, standards for using raw manure and compost, provisions affecting mixed-use facilities, and procedures for withdrawing the qualified exemption for certain farms.
“We are encouraged that FDA took seriously the extensive input they received from produce farmers and others in the agricultural sector with respect to the proposed Produce Safety and Preventive Controls rules,” said United’s David Gombas, senior vice president of food safety and technology. “We appreciate FDA’s willingness to rethink these provisions and propose requirements that are more science and risk based. It is critical that FDA gets these FSMA rules right, and we believe this is a step in the right direction.”
On September 24, United Fresh urged FDA to issue a second set of proposed rules, saying it was appropriate for FDA to study all public comments and then issue a revised proposed rule for comment before issuing a final rule. More information can be found at www.unitedfresh.org/fsma.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
