SB 54 Plastic Packaging Resources and Updates. Access Here.

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Posts By: Sonia Salas

May, 2026
FDA’s Traceability Rule Pilots to Support Readiness are Announced

The Partnership for Food Traceability (PFT) has announced the launch of three industry pilot programs developed to help food businesses assess and strengthen their readiness for FDA's Food Traceability Rule, which takes full effect on July 20, 2028.  As a public-private partnership bridging industry and the FDA, PFT advanced the design these pilot frameworks to give organizations a…

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Food Traceability Rule Updates: FDA Discussion Paper Released and Stakeholder Engagement Opportunities

On May 27, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a discussion paper to encourage more detailed stakeholder engagement on potential flexibilities related to the lot-level tracking requirements under the final Food Traceability Rule, “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods.” The paper outlines key topics and questions intended to guide…

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Mourning the Loss of Vicki Scott

On May 20, 2026, the fresh produce industry lost a truly influential leader whose impact extended far beyond Arizona and touched many across the industry. Vicki Scott played a leadership role in advancing solutions to address food safety and regulatory issues impacting the fresh produce industry, helping shape a more collaborative approach grounded in both science and practical…

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FDA Releases Vision on Food Safety Best Practices and Collaboration 

Food safety is a shared responsibility—a message the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) underscored in its recent Constituent Update. As part of FDA’s Human Foods Program 2026 Priority Deliverables, the FDA released two new web resources designed to support a prevention-based approach to food safety and strengthen collaboration across the food system.  One resource…

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Updated National Cantaloupe and Netted Melon Best Practices Guidance Document and Appendices Now Available

The updated national cantaloupe and netted melon best practices guidance document and supporting appendices are now available. The previous version of the document was released in March 2013, and this latest update reflects current practices, stakeholder input and ongoing industry efforts to support produce safety through practical, prevention-focused approaches. The effort to initiate the…

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FDA Fresh Cucumber Sampling Assignment: Important Update for Members

Western Growers staff has learned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be conducting a cucumber sampling assignment over the next few months, impacting both domestic and foreign raw whole fresh cucumbers. Sampling is expected to take place at the retail and distribution supply chain level and at ports of entry from May 4, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2026. This assignment will focus on…

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