United Fresh, PMA Submit Comments To FDA On Food Safety Modernization Act
November 18, 2013 United Fresh Produce Association and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) recently submitted comments to the FDA on the Produce Safety and Preventative Control portions of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), addressing the concerns both industry groups have with the proposed regulations released in January. The comment period for the Produce Safety and Preventative Control rules were recently extended to Nov. 22.
“There is nothing more important than advancing food safety in fresh produce, and these proposed rules are an important milestone in that mission,” said United President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “United Fresh continues to support the public health goals of the FSMA law and is committed to working closely with the FDA to ensure that the regulations can be implemented in the most practical and efficient way possible.”
The industry groups voiced concerns at the “one-size-fits-all” approach to fruit and vegetable growing, irrigation water testing requirements, and the definition of farm and farming activities.
“Our comments underscore the importance of science- and risk-based regulations in ensuring produce safety and fostering consumer confidence in fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Bob Whitaker, PMA Chief Science and Technology Officer.
Once comments close on Nov. 22, the FDA will assess and review comments submitted and make changes to the rules, publish final rules, or publish the revised rules for another round of comments.
“We thank the member volunteers of PMA’s Produce Safety, Science and Technology Committee who worked with PMA staff and allied associations to develop our comments,” said Whitaker. “PMA continues to engage these volunteer leaders in developing our comments on the proposed rules for foreign supplier verification and third-party accreditation, which are due in late January, 2014.”
“United appreciates the extensive work that FDA has put into drafting these new proposed regulations, representing the most significant change to food safety law in more than 70 years,” Stenzel said. “That’s why it’s so important that the agency take the time to understand not only our comments but those of all stakeholders. These proposals were a good first step, but can be significantly enhanced to be more effective in protecting public health, while allowing produce growers and distributors to continue providing an abundance of healthy and affordable fresh produce to consumers.”
Follow these links to read United Fresh Produce Association’s comments on the Produce Safety and Preventative Control rules. Follow these links to read PMA’s comments on the Produce Safety and the Preventative Control rules.
Source: Produce Marketing Association, United Fresh Produce Association news releases.
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