In late May 2023, Western Growers staff learned about two activities the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering conducting over the next few months in regard to food safety and inspection:

• Over-the-phone surveys (estimated 30 minutes or longer) with growers to understand the produce industry’s response to flooding and assess impacts in California
• Inspection and environmental sampling of leafy green harvest equipment in Arizona, California, and Florida that may cause supply chain disruptions

Western Growers, in collaboration with other trade associations and groups, has contacted the agency to raise issues regarding unintended consequences with both of the noted activities and to suggest alternative approaches to address the agency’s questions and needs. We are seeking clarification regarding the purpose of these activities, and we are asking the agency to consider different approaches to determine flooding impacts and to assess harvest equipment and harvest activities.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for the WG Science staff, don’t hesitate to contact us at Science@wga.com.

WGA cares about food safety in our industry and food safety at home. If you have any concerns about food safety compliance or your organization’s food safety plan, please contact Sonia Salas at ssalas@wga.com.