Fact Sheet on the FSMA Proposed Rule for Produce: Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption

Summary

On January 4, 2013, FDA released for public comment its proposed rule to establish science-based standards for growing, harvesting, packing and holding produce on domestic and foreign farms. The proposed rule is one of five proposed rulemakings that would lay the cornerstone of the prevention-based, modern food safety system we need.

Section 105 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) directs FDA to set science-based standards for the safe production and harvesting of fruits and vegetables that the Agency determines minimize the risk of serious adverse health consequences or death. FDA proposes to set standards associated with identified routes of microbial contamination of produce, including: (1) agricultural water; (2) biological soil amendments of animal origin (3) health and hygiene (4) animals in the growing area and (5) equipment, tools and buildings. The proposed rule includes additional provisions related to sprouts.

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Fact Sheet: http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FSMA/ucm334114.htm

Proposed Rules: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-01-16/html/2013-00123.htm

Source: http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FSMA/ucm334114.htm