Federal Agencies Join Forces to Promote Produce Safety
Fresh produce, particularly lettuce, has become an increasingly common source of E. coli infection in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration, which has some regulatory authority over the produce industry, is promulgating a new rule for the safe production, harvesting and packing of fresh produce. FDA announced it is working more closely than ever with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency, state departments of agriculture, advocacy groups, and growers to ensure the effectiveness of the new rule.
Over the past several months, FDA and USDA technical experts, scientists, and other staff have participated in listening sessions and meetings in 13 states and toured farms to hear from people who have the “on-the-ground” knowledge that FDA states must be reflected in the proposed rule. In addition, more than 700 comments were received from all parts of the country and around the world from growers; environmental groups; state and local government agencies; retail food chains; academia; consumers, and others.
The comments have been sorted and routed to specific areas that these groups have been focusing on, and will be carefully considered and evaluated for inclusion. In addition, FDA will consider testimony and comments received by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to the proposed National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, as well as comments FDA received in response to its draft guidance on leafy greens, tomatoes and melons, issued in 2009.
FDA anticipates publishing a proposed fresh produce rule in 2011. The proposed rule will have a comment period, whereby stakeholders can provide comments and feedback to agency before the final rule is issued.
Tags: E. coli Prevention
