The fresh fruit, nuts and vegetables produced by the members of Western Growers have long been recognized as an important component of a healthy diet. They are an important source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants and they play an important role in combating diet related illness and obesity.

These products are typically grown outdoors and although they may be vulnerable to contamination with pathogens that may be present in the natural environment, great care is taken by our member companies to prevent such contamination. This is particularly important as many fruits, nuts and vegetables are  consumed raw with no definitive “kill step” such as cooking.

Because of the vital importance of fresh produce in the diets of Americans and other consumers, the safety and integrity of the products produced and shipped from Western Growers member companies is paramount and every effort is made to protect and prevent contamination throughout the distribution chain. Companies employ robust food safety, quality and food defense systems to meet these ends.

These pages, links and other resources are intended to help Western Growers members as well as others access information to supplement and enhance these programs.  We are committed to keeping them refreshed, up to date and would like to hear any and all ideas on how to make them more useful and valuable to you.  We are committed to working collectively and collaboratively with our members, the regulatory and academic communities towards the common goal of a safe and secure food supply.

In light of the increasing threat and incidence of international terrorism against the United States, the federal government has charged the Food and Drug Administration with developing and implementing coordinated strategies to prepare for and  respond effectively to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.

Included in the developing regulatory structure are agricultural operations whose role in the production and delivery of safe food is one of paramount and national importance.  The basic requirements for agriculture include the registration of select facilities and the prior notification of imports into the U.S.  More detail on the basic provisions and how to comply is included in the links below.