IRVINE, CALIF. (Jan. 31, 2023) – Following the release of the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed reforms to the Human Foods Program, Western Growers SVP of Science, De Ann Davis, issued the following statement:

“Western Growers applauds the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner and senior leadership for taking these first important steps to strengthen the Human Foods Program. We appreciate the Commissioner’s consideration of the recommendations of the independent expert panel convened by the Regan-Udall Foundation, as well as the voices of many diverse but united stakeholders in the need to improve the program’s culture of prevention, responsiveness and transparency. The fresh produce supply chain needs a strong and engaged FDA to support our nation’s growers and their commitment to continuous improvement of safety, affordability and accessibility of these highly nutritious foods.

In 2011, with the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the intent of the U.S. Congress was clear: The FDA is to prioritize preventive actions over reaction. We are encouraged by the announced changes, and believe that the addition of a Deputy Commissioner; the creation of an Office of Integrated Food Safety Systems Partnership; a Center for Excellence in Nutrition and a Human Foods Advisory Committee will help support a prevention agenda.

As the Agency considers its next steps, we draw their attention to these critical needs for produce safety:

• Increased state support and authority to assure a strong, sustained prevention agenda for farms
• Realized commitment to all the pillars of the agency’s stated New Era of Smarter Food Safety
• Investment in approaches that will rapidly improve a domestic grower’s ability to build upon their food safety prevention strategies, including improvement of the agency’s focus on applied research, outreach, transparency, technical assistance and education.

Based on today’s announcement, we believe the Commissioner and the Agency’s senior leaders are focused on right things to advance the Human Foods Program and perform its Congressional mandate more efficiently and effectively. We remain committed to working with the agency as changes are implemented.”

The following links will take you to the FDA press release and and overview of the Agency’s proposed structure:

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-redesign-human-foods-program-enhance-coordinated-prevention-and-response-activities

https://www.fda.gov/media/164937/download

About Western Growers:

Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.

###

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 [email protected].