FDA re-opens docket on fresh-produce safety rule | Food and Environment Reporting Network

Responding to extensive public comment, the Food and Drug Administration revised a proposed rule on safety standards for growing, harvesting, packing and holding fresh fruits and vegetables. In a Federal Register notice today, FDA said it would accept public comments until Dec 15 on the several provisions it identified for change. The rule initially was proposed last year. “We are taking this action because the extensive information received in public comments has led to significant changes in our current thinking on certain key provisions of the proposed rule,” said FDA.

Among the revisions are language to exempt farms with $25,000 or less in annual fruit and vegetable production from the produce safety standards under the Food Safety Modernization Act; adjust microbial standards for agricultural water; allow more frequent use of manure; allow daily use of mulch; and clarify a farmer’s obligation to control wildlife.

The Organic Trade Association said the revisions were in line with organic farming practices.” FDA has done a fine job reaching out to organic stakeholders in order to understand how the proposed food safety rules will interact with the organic standards,” said Gwendolyn Wyard, OTA regulatory director.