The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a news release today, October 5, 2009, that states “USDA’s fresh produce chief will join FDA to develop new food safety rules, as part of a cooperative initiative between FDA and the [USDA].”
This news may cause some concerns for many produce farmers who are weary of allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to have more say over their production methods as proposed in the House Food Safety and Enhancement Act which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year. The measure has not yet been taken up by the Senate due to other legislative concerns dominating the calendar. However, given the number of pathogen outbreaks linked to food this year, it is likely the Senate will consider the measure at some time in the future.
“Today’s announcement comes amid beefed up outreach efforts with key agriculture and safe food stakeholders to better share and exchange produce safety ‘best practices’ and ideas.” Leanne Skelton, chief of the Fresh Products Branch of the USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) will join the FDA for six months working with on new safety regulations for produce. Skelton has 22 years of experience working on various regulations for the Fresh Products Branch.
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Kathleen Sebelius issued the following comment in the news release, ‘“President Obama, like most Americans, wants immediate improvements in our food safety system. . . As such, we are pulling together all our best resources -state and federal - to improve the safety of our foods and to work with growers protect and promote the health of our nation.”’
For his part, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack issued this statement, ‘“USDA is committed to working with our partners to ensure that Americans have access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food. . . Today's announcement is another example the Obama Administration's innovative and aggressive effort to strengthen protections against unsafe food and food-borne illness.”’
The initiative will allow the FDA to gather information and elicit feedback from the fresh produce industry, including smaller farms and organic producers, on what impact the rules will have on their operations and “lives.” AMS Administrator Rayne Pegg made this statement in the release, ‘“We are delighted that the FDA sought USDA's counsel and cooperation as they tackle the challenges of ensuring the safety and availability of fresh produce and healthy foods . . . The USDA and the FDA have joined together on listening sessions and farm tours, and are eager to develop a system of regulation that will work for American families and the growers.”’ FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg is confident that by working with the USDA the FDA will be able to develop successful regulations that take into account the concerns of the produce industry.
To read the USDA news release click here.
This news may cause some concerns for many produce farmers who are weary of allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to have more say over their production methods as proposed in the House Food Safety and Enhancement Act which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year. The measure has not yet been taken up by the Senate due to other legislative concerns dominating the calendar. However, given the number of pathogen outbreaks linked to food this year, it is likely the Senate will consider the measure at some time in the future.
“Today’s announcement comes amid beefed up outreach efforts with key agriculture and safe food stakeholders to better share and exchange produce safety ‘best practices’ and ideas.” Leanne Skelton, chief of the Fresh Products Branch of the USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) will join the FDA for six months working with on new safety regulations for produce. Skelton has 22 years of experience working on various regulations for the Fresh Products Branch.
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Kathleen Sebelius issued the following comment in the news release, ‘“President Obama, like most Americans, wants immediate improvements in our food safety system. . . As such, we are pulling together all our best resources -state and federal - to improve the safety of our foods and to work with growers protect and promote the health of our nation.”’
For his part, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack issued this statement, ‘“USDA is committed to working with our partners to ensure that Americans have access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food. . . Today's announcement is another example the Obama Administration's innovative and aggressive effort to strengthen protections against unsafe food and food-borne illness.”’
The initiative will allow the FDA to gather information and elicit feedback from the fresh produce industry, including smaller farms and organic producers, on what impact the rules will have on their operations and “lives.” AMS Administrator Rayne Pegg made this statement in the release, ‘“We are delighted that the FDA sought USDA's counsel and cooperation as they tackle the challenges of ensuring the safety and availability of fresh produce and healthy foods . . . The USDA and the FDA have joined together on listening sessions and farm tours, and are eager to develop a system of regulation that will work for American families and the growers.”’ FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg is confident that by working with the USDA the FDA will be able to develop successful regulations that take into account the concerns of the produce industry.
To read the USDA news release click here.
Posted: 10/05/09
