Open Docket for FDA Produce Safety Rule
This is very important and requires action before May 24, 2010.
"The Food and Drug Administrat
ion is proposing to promulgate regulations setting enforceable standards for fresh produce safety at the farm and packing house (7 December 2009 Unified Agenda & Regulatory Plan)." Essentially, this means that the FDA plans to release a regulation with enforceable standards for fresh produce. There are several additional points that I want to highlight from a recent presentation given by Jim Gorny (FDA).
• FDA recognizes that the produce sector consists not only of large national operators but also many small producers, including many who market directly to consumers at roadside stands and farmers markets;
• FDA will carefully consider the public health and economic impacts of applying requirements to very small producers, and will consider appropriate adjustments in the regulations.
• To ensure standards are developed that stakeholders can and will support, FDA must rely on significant in-put from all stakeholders - particularly those with first-hand, on-the-ground experience.
The first two points highlight the fact that all producers are considered important to this regulation, so all fresh produce growers should be aware of this impending rule. The last bullet highlights the significance of this extension article.
In a somewhat unusual move, the FDA has opened a docket for comment BEFORE the release of the rule. The reason for this is that they are hoping to gain insight and comments from fresh produce growers so that they do not create a rule that is unworkable. I encourage all of you to go to the website listed below and share your thoughts about food safety.
The most useful comments will be those that offer specific suggestions about practices that you think are important and effective as well as those you think will cripple your production. Although you may be inclined to simply say that you do not want a produce safety rule that will not have as big an impact as if you share specific points. For instance, sharing practices you currently do would be very helpful or if you think some practices are unachievable at the farm, stating the specifics of those practices would provide them with a guide. The docket will be open until May 24, 2010.
At the website below you can submit comments and view comments submitted by others. I have been told you can submit comments anonymously if you have concerns about your privacy. Please do comment. Now is the time to participate and have a voice in the development of this rule.
"Preventive Controls for Fresh Produce: Request for Comments"
• Proposed rule, reflecting all comments, expected before the end of 2010.
• Go to www.regulations.gov
• Enter the docket number in the "Keyword" field: FDA-2010-N-0085
• This takes you to the docket, Preventive Controls for Fresh Produce: Request for Comments
• You can type comments directly in the field and/or attach documents in support of your comments.
• Press submit
