The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)has announced two new food safety regulations that are aimed at preventing foodborne illness.The proposed rules implement the two-way FDA Food Safety Modernization Act(FSMA).
The first rule requires food manufacturers to create a plan of action,in order to prevent their food products from causing foodborne illness.This rule applies to makers of food to be sold in the US,whether produced at a foreign-or domestic-based facility.The rule would also require the manufacturers to have methods for correcting any problems that arise.
The second rule proposes enforceable safety standards for the production and harvesting of produce on farms.This rule outlines science-and risk-based standards for the safe production and harvesting of fruits and vegetables.
FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg said that FDA knows that food safety requires partnership with industry,consumers,local,state and tribal governments,and its international trading partners.
"Our proposed rules reflect the input we have received from these stakeholders and we look forward to working with the public as they review the proposed rules,"Hamburg added.
The rules are available for public comment for the next 120 days.The FDA has encouraged Americans to review and comment on these important proposed rules.
