FDA releases draft standards for safe production of fresh fruits and veg- Food Safety Modernization Act

Jan. 4, 2013

The FDA has released the standards for the safe production of fresh fruits and vegetables for human consumption.

This long awaited component of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) builds on the formerly voluntary guide to minimizing microbial contamination of produce.  

"The proposed produce rule sets science-based standards for the safe production and harvesting of fruits and vegetables to minimize the risk of serious adverse health consequences or death. FDA proposes to set standards associated with identified routes of microbial contamination of produce, including: (1) agricultural water; (2) biological soil amendments of animal origin; (3) health and hygiene; (4) animals in the growing area; and (5) equipment, tools and buildings" (FDA 2013).  

A summary can be found HERE.  From that link, you can also see the full draft in its entirety.