FDA Requests Comments, Data on Microbial Food Safety for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a notice requesting comments and scientific data and information that may assist in improving its "Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables" (the Guide).
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Written comments and scientific data and information are due by December 31, 2008.
(In 1998, FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the Guide to enhance the safety of fresh produce, to assist the fresh produce industry in addressing common risk factors in their operations, and to minimize potential food safety hazards.)
FDA Seeks Specific Information and Comments on Improving Guide
In 2007, FDA held two public hearings to inform stakeholders about outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with microbial contamination of fresh produce, and to solicit comments, data, and other scientific information about current agricultural and manufacturing practices used to produce, harvest, pack, cool, process, and transport fresh produce, etc. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/14/07 news, 07031499 6, for BP summary of the FDA's announcement of these hearings.)
FDA has taken the comments received in response to the 2007 public hearings into consideration and incorporated relevant suggestions; however, most comments did not provide substantive information or data in response to whether the Guide needs to be expanded or otherwise revised.
Therefore, FDA has determined that it would benefit from another, more focused opportunity for public comment and is now soliciting comments and scientific data and information on any possible measures and technological advances that would assist FDA in improving the Guide.
Specifically, FDA is seeking information about current agricultural practices and conditions used to grow, harvest, pack, cool, and transport fresh produce; risk factors for contamination of fresh produce associated with these practices; and possible measures that FDA could implement that would enhance the safety of fresh produce.
(See FDA notice for a complete list of issues and questions.)
FDA contact - Michelle Smith (301) 436-2024
FDA notice (D/N FDA-2008-N-0455, FR Pub 09/02/08) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-20187.pdf