The FDA is implementing the most sweeping reforms of the nation’s food safety rules in over 70 years, which has led to an influx of comments from the industry and the public. Through mid-January, FDA had already received 614 comments on various aspects of the proposed regulations, according to The Food Institute. “Knowing that these new regulations will have a substantial impact on the way companies do business for years to come, the food industry has been very vocal regarding the new rules, as it looks to work with the FDA in further ensuring the safety of the U.S. food supply,” commented Brian Todd, president/CEO of The Food Institute.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law by President Obama just over a year ago, and while FDA has made substantial progress since then, the industry awaits several proposed rules, including an integral one on the safety of fresh produce, which will likely be in excess of 125 pages. Already delayed by several weeks, The Food Institute reports that FDA will likely not release three additional proposed rules until early February. The rules nearing release focus on Hazard Analysis & Preventive Controls for Human Food and Animal Feed/Pet Food; and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program.

For more information, contact Doreen Pfeiffer, 201-791-5570, ext. 218, The Food Institute, http://www.foodinstitute.com