FDA announces enforcement of produce safety

The “Produce Safety Rule” is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. The first major compliance date for large farms, other than sprout operations, is set to begin on January 26, 2018. However, the FDA has announced that routine inspections associated with the Produce Safety rule will not begin until the spring of 2019 to allow time for more guidance, training, technical assistance, and planning.

Upcoming Compliance Dates:

For covered activities, other than those involving sprouts (which have additional requirements and earlier compliance dates):

  • January 26, 2018: Covered farms for which, on a rolling basis, the average annual monetary value of produce the farm sold during the previous 3-year period is more than $500,000.
  • January 28, 2019: Covered farms for which, on a rolling basis, the average annual monetary value of produce the farm sold during the previous 3-year period is more than $250,000 but not more than $500,000 (small businesses).
  • January 27, 2020: Covered farms for which, on a rolling basis, the average annual monetary value of produce the farm sold during the previous 3-year period is more than $25,000 but no more than $250,000 (very small businesses).

content was taken from fda.gov follow URL to find more on key requirements, training or exemptions.