For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration is reaching out to farmers for help before writing a new nationwide produce safety standard for growing, harvesting and packing of fresh fruits and vegetables. The proposed rule is set for publication by October.
"An open docket is probably unprecedented in the history of the government," said Leanne Skelton, a USDA staff member on detail with FDA to help with writing the regulations.
She spoke to about 200 fruit and vegetable growers, extension educators, packers, government officials and others gathered to discuss the science behind and practical considerations for these new regulations.
The daylong event, the fourth such stakeholders discussion, was held recently at the University of Maryland University College by the Produce Safety Project, in conjunction with the Center for Food Safety and Security Systems at the University of Maryland.
Many producers agreed that regulations are needed but should be simple and science-based. Other producers said education is more effective than mandatory regulations.
Jim O'Hara of the Produce Safety Project said any rules put into effect must not only benefit consumers but also really work for farmers and growers.
The Produce Safety Project is based at Georgetown University and is an initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts. The group seeks the establishment by the FDA of mandatory and enforceable safety standards for domestic and imported fresh produce, from farm to fork.
The day included panel discussions by experts in four areas, followed by breakout sessions for discussion by participants. The topics were worker health and hygiene, wildlife and environmental concerns, composting issues, and irrigation and foliar contact water quality.
"We are deeply aware that we can't do this by ourselves," said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods Mike Taylor. "We want to learn from the best practices out there."
Working closely with USDA, state and local authorities and a whole network of people involved in food safety across the country, FDA hopes to flesh out the new regulations with an awareness of two public health goals: improving food safety and maintaining public confidence in and access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
Taylor said FDA will address the scope of the regulations, whether all growers are required to follow the new regulations or whether some will be exempt.
Tiering will be implemented, considering the diversity of crops, regions, practices, scale of operation and markets among growers. FDA will also have to weigh how to treat imports.
Producers questioned why FDA is rushing to complete regulations by fall.
"If it had not been for health care, it would have already been done," Skelton said. Congress will likely mandate a produce safety standard, and FDA is trying to get ahead of that, she said.
After the new regulations are published, Taylor said more discussion and exchange, and phased implementation will most likely occur.
All comments throughout the day were recorded, and interested parties may submit comments for consideration as the regulations are developed.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
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