July 17, 2013

FDA increases outreach effort on food safety regulation

FDA is expanding its outreach to small- and medium-size growers to address questions about the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

According to Michael Taylor, deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine, FDA expects and welcomes questions that arise during the rulemaking process. He said that FDA is committed to developing, with input, a final rule that prevents illnesses but that also is practical and adaptable to a wide diversity of growing conditions and practices.

As part of the expanded outreach, FDA is issuing several new publications focusing on key issues such as agricultural water and alternatives and variances to certain provisions in the proposed rule. FDA will work through a network of key stakeholder organizations to publicize the materials. The materials will appear on a new “Resources for Farmers” section on the FSMA Proposed Rule for Produce Safety page.

FDA is planning additional outreach, including targeted outreach on specific areas such as agricultural water that continue to generate questions.

Comments on the proposed rule are due by September 16 and can be submitted here.


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