Food Safety

The fresh fruit, nuts and vegetables produced by Western Growers members have long been recognized as an important component of a healthy diet. These products are typically grown outdoors. 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 throughout the distribution chain. Our member companies employ robust food safety, quality and food defense systems to meet these ends.

The Food Safety portal assists Western Growers members and others with information to supplement and enhance food safety programs. 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.

For questions and comments, please contact WG's Sonia Salas at ssalas@wga.com.

Comment to FDA on Preventive Controls for Produce

The Food and Drug Administration has announced that by the end of 2010, the Agency will issue a proposed rule to establish mandatory safety standards for the production and packing of fresh produce.  The ultimate purpose for such standards is to reduce the risk of illness associated with fresh produce. Western Growers urges you to submit your thoughts, suggestions and comments to FDA under Docket Number FDA-2010-N-0085 before the July 23^th deadline. (FDA extended  the comment period from May 24, 2010 to July 23, 2010).

This is a great opportunity for industry to engage up-front in shaping a rule that will undoubtedly have an impact on all fresh produce operations across the country.  The usual process for FDA in the development of new mandatory rules is to issue a proposed rule and then receive comments.  In this instance the Agency is working to actively engage the industry and other stakeholders while still in the development phase of a rule. 

FDA has opened this docket (FDA-2010-N-0085) to receive information before a proposed rule is written and is hopeful this process will allow them to develop the rule to reflect the realities of production and packing in todays produce operations. According to FDA “The discussion on this complex and diverse segment of our food supply needs to be fueled and informed by the expertise and the on-the-ground knowledge of those who grow, harvest and pack fresh produce.”  FDA is seeking comments that will inform the development of: (1) Safety standards for fresh produce at the farm and packing house and (2) strategies and cooperative efforts to ensure compliance.

FDA has provided a list of some of the areas they are seeking input from the industry on and Western Growers has added some additional points for consideration under each FDA issue. We encourage you to make specific recommendations about how FDA should address each of these areas including any specific recommendations for regulatory language that you believe would address the issue and be practical and appropriate for the industry at large.

Please click here to see a list of the general categories (bold font) for your use in formulating comments.  You can address one or all of them as you deem appropriate.  Information on how to provide comments directly to FDA is also available at the end of the category list.  If you have any questions please contact Hank Giclas at hgiclas@wga.com, or (949) 885-2205.  In addition, if you provide comments to FDA, Western Growers would encourage you to provide a copy to the association c/o Hank.