Source: US GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE, 11/28/16


People often eat fruits and vegetables raw, so it's important to prevent contamination in produce before it reaches the table. In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration established standards for farms and other businesses to prevent contamination. Among other things, the standards cover use of manure, worker training, and agricultural water quality.

How is FDA evaluating and responding to business concerns about the new standards?

FDA developed an information clearinghouse to address concerns and is developing a survey to assess the effectiveness of the clearinghouse.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the American people. The report released November 28 evaluates the responsiveness of the FDA to industry concerns about the Produce Safety Rule. United Fresh Produce Association was pleased to assist GAO in this study.

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