Resources

FDA Seeks Food Safety Input

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is preparing to develop food safety regulations for the production and packing of fresh produce. In advance of writing those regulations the agency is seeking public comment (Federal Register Notice) on current practices and information to help develop safety standards. NYFB is advocating that a risk-based approach is used to develop regulations rather than a one-size-fits all approach. Onerous traceability requirements for farmers selling direct to consumers are also a great concern.

NYFB is encouraging producers to send comments to FDA before the May 24 deadline. We have prepared comments in a word document that you can personalize to your particular concerns and include details about food safety measures on your farm before sending. FDA is particularly interested in these questions:

• What role should FDA's GAP (good agricultural practice) guidelines play?
• How should food safety practices for fresh fruits and vegetables and environmental and/or conservation goals or practices be coordinated?
• What role should microbial testing play in produce safety?
• What records and documentation would be useful to both industry and regulators in ensuring the safety of fresh produce?
• What strategies should be available to help growers achieve compliance?
• Any other issues or concerns you may have?

Food Safety Comments for producers.

Use the text in the above Word document to help craft your letter. Letters can be printed and mailed to the address listed below or submitted electronically.

Mail comments to:
The Division of Dockets
Management (HFA–305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

Instructions for Submitting Electronically

• Go to this the federal regulation website.
• Click on the “Submit Comment” button in blue on the top right side of the page.
• When the new page opens, provide your contact information (name and address) in the boxes on the left.
• Cut and paste your comments into the box on the right (there is a limit of 2000 characters). You can also submit comments by writing them in a separate document and then attaching it to the form. To attach a document you have written, click on the orange “Browse” button.
• Be sure to include the docket number at the top of the pages you submit (FDA-2010-N-0085).
• Press the orange“Submit” button to have your comments officially recorded.