FDA presser

The FDA had a teleconference this morning about the final draft of guidance for fresh cut processors. Find the guidance here.

Here is a little bit from the press release:

FDA Issues Final Guidance For Safe Production of Fresh-Cut Fruits And Vegetables

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today published a draft final guidance advising processors of fresh-cut produce how to minimize microbial food safety hazards common to the processing of most fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, which are often sold to consumers in a ready-to-eat form.
The document -- “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables” -- suggests that fresh-cut processors consider a state-of-the-art food safety program such as the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system, which is designed to prevent, eliminate, or reduce to acceptable levels the microbial, chemical, and physical hazards associated with food production.

The guidance complements FDA’s regulations of manufacturing practices and incorporates comments received in response to its draft issued in March 2006.


TK: Consumer press reporters in the teleconference were puzzled why this guidance wasn't mandatory. I can see their confusion, considering the furor about food safety outbreaks: the press release is full of soft words..."suggest that fresh-cut processors consider"...
The FDA said a determination of whether science-based mandates are necessary will be explored in upcoming meetings in March and April. One reporter had a question about "HAZMAT" standards; he was corrected by the FDA. I think you mean HACCP standards..... Ouch.