This week the FDA launched an updated its Frequently Asked Question & Answer (“FAQs”) section to include detailed areas on the two recently introduced food safety rules, which addressed preventative controls and produce safety.

The updated FAQ section related to the Produce Safety Rule is a fifteen (15) page document that attempts to answer everything from “What does the proposed produce safety rule establish?” to questions about the FDA’s access to company records.  Here is a link to The Produce Safety Rule: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – Produce Safety Rule

Produce industry stakeholders and related associations should take the time to read and understand the Produce Safety Rule FAQs because it addresses such critical issues as:

• How does the proposed rule define “agricultural water?”
• FDA access to company records
• How does the proposed rule define “farm?”
• When packing produce is subject to the Produce Safety Rule

As previously noted, the FDA extended the comment period on the Produce Safety Rule until May 16, 2013.  Please exercise your right to let the FDA know if you have any specific or industry related concerns about this rule.  Once the comment period closes, the FDA will respond to comments and finalize the rule.  At that point, the Produce Safety Rule will be binding and enforceable.