USDA Considering National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) entered a notice in the Federal Register Oct. 4 that the agency is considering a national marketing agreement for fresh and fresh-cut leafy greens.

“While USDA does not have regulatory authority over food safety for produce, we appreciate their efforts to work with industry in ways they can to assist us in meeting these goals,” said Tom Stenzel, president of United Fresh Produce Association.

“It is our overriding goal for consumers to have confidence in the safety of all leafy greens they purchase, and that those commodities (be) grown according to the same safety standards, no matter where produced in the United States or internationally.”

Similar to the California Leafy Green Handlers Marketing Agreement, companies could voluntarily sign, but compliance with the regulations would then be mandatory. The agreement would specify Best Practices for reducing the risk of contamination in leafy greens.

Best Practices could include commodity-specific guidelines based on FDA’s Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards in Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards in Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables or other FDA guidelines.

Compliance audits would be conducted by state or federal inspectors and compliance would be identified on the product packaging with a certification symbol.

In addition to handling regulations, the agreement could include consumer education, production research, generic promotion or other programs, depending upon the industry’s needs and goals.

The agency is requesting comments from the industry. Written comments must be received by Dec. 3 at the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237,
Washington, D.C. 20250-0237; Fax: (202) 720-8938.