FDA Extends Comment Period On Using Raw Manure As Fertilizer
April 25, 2016 In response to multiple requests from stakeholders, FDA is extending the comment period for public input to assist FDA in its plan to develop a risk assessment evaluating the risk of human illness associated with the consumption of produce grown in fields on which raw manure (or other untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin) is used as fertilizer. The agency is extending the comment period to July 5, 2016.
The original request for comment, Risk Assessment of Foodborne Illness Associated With Pathogens From Produce Grown in Fields Amended With Untreated Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin; Request for Scientific Data, Information, and Comments, appeared in the Federal Register on March 4, 2016 and the original comment period was scheduled to close May 3, 2016.
The risk assessment will be designed to evaluate the risk that the use of raw manure as fertilizer on produce crops may pose for consumer health. It also will look at the effect various agricultural practices, environmental conditions, and prevention measures may have on the risk of human illness. The use of raw manure (or other untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin) as fertilizer in growing crops is covered by the final produce safety rule mandated by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. The risk assessment may inform a decision on the minimum time interval between the application of raw manure and the crop harvest when certain application methods are used.
The extension will give interested persons additional time to develop and submit scientific data, information, and comments to help FDA develop the model for this work.
To submit comments electronically to the docket, visit Docket No. FDA-2016-N-0321.
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