On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released its draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed produce safety rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The statement considers the four areas in the proposed rule that could significantly affect the environment: the definition of covered farms, water quality standards, the use of raw manure and compost, and provisions affecting domesticated and wild animals. The water standards were found to potentially have a significant adverse environmental impact, but FDA noted that most farms would not need to switch from surface water to groundwater or chemically treat their water because of a provision in the rule’s supplemental changes which would allow time for potentially dangerous microbes in agricultural water to die off. “There are critical groundwater shortages in certain parts of the country that would exist even if this proposed rule were not enacted,” the agency said in a Constituent Update. “Actions that may lead to increases in groundwater drawdown in parts of the country experiencing severe shortages would be considered a significant environmental impact.” A comment period of 60 days has opened for the draft EIS. Comments will be accepted until Friday, March 13, and the agency said it does not plan to extend the comment period. FDA will also hold a public meeting on the EIS on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in College Park, MD. The agency will consider public comments while drafting the final EIS and evaluate the potential alternatives it presents before finalizing the produce safety rule.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
Regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening the food safety framework have been approved in India.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said the regulatory and procedural reforms would promote the
As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or
The Food and Drug Administration uses import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed.
Recent
Lidl US is recalling all lots of their Favorina Chocolate Ladybugs - German-Style Nougat 3.52 oz box UPC 20304492 because of undeclared hazelnut.
People who have allergies to hazelnuts
Costco is recalling select sell by dates of Item #30783 Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze because an ingredient supplier, Griffith Foods Inc., has announced the recall of an
The Food and Drug Administration uses import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed.
Recent
Katilo brand Classic Roomy is being recalled in Canada because of Salmonella continuation.
This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results.
The implicated product was available at
