Based on the large number of public comments and outreach efforts after the first open comment period, the FDA has released proposed revisions to the Produce Rule that are more flexible and less burdensome in a few key areas. Revisions were made to the water quality standards and testing requirements, manure and compost requirements, the definition of a 'covered' farm, withdrawal of qualified exemptions, and provisions related to wildlife.

A summary of the key revisions can be found on the FDA's website or you can download the pre-publication version of entire proposed rule supplement here, which will be available until the final is published in the Federal Register on September 29th, 2014.

In addition to the Produce Rule revisions, the FDA Press Release also highlights revisions to other keys areas of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) including Preventive Controls for Human Food, Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals, and Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for Importers of Food for Humans and Animals.

The comment period will open on Monday, September 29, 2014 and the FDA will accept comments for 75 days after the publication date (Sept. 29). Stay tuned for more information related to the comment process as well as informational sessions to learn more about the Produce Rule supplement as we move forward.

If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please let us know. We will be sending out more information through this listserve as it becomes available. 

Have a great weekend,

Gretchen & Betsy