FDA to Revise Proposed FSMA Rules Affecting Farmers

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner
for Foods and Veterinary Medicine Michael Taylor, the agency will revise
proposed rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) “affecting
farmers,” who have apparently expressed concern about the potential impact
on their livelihoods. Among provisions to be revised and re-published for
public comment in early summer 2014 are (i) “sections covering water quality
standards and testing,” (ii) “standards for using raw manure and compost,” (iii)
those “affecting mixed-use facilities (such as a farm that has a food-processing
operation),” and (iv) “procedures used to withdraw the qualified exemption
to these requirements for certain farms.” Taylor also noted that the agency
continues to review the comments already submitted to the rulemaking
docket and may decide to include other changes for public comment. See FDA
Voice, December 19, 2013.

Issue 508