In effect, the USDA’s goal is to ensure that if a grower passes a GAP audit and is consistently implementing its own food safety plan, then the FDA would consider this farm in compliance with the Produce Safety regulation.
Feedback
As the implementation process continues, the USDA will continue to provide feedback on a variety of technical assistance approaches being developed by the FDA. These efforts include establishing a call or information center to address real-time issues; transitioning FDA field staff from generalists on all FDA-regulated products (food, drugs, medical devices, etc.) to specialists focusing on food; using research protocol framework documents aimed at supporting research on food safety practices and standards for water quality and manure; and updating or developing new guidance documents for GAP, small entity compliance, and co-management, for example.
The role the USDA will play in helping farmers comply with FSMA regulations is varied and robust. We look forward to continuing our engagement with the FDA on behalf of our nation’s growers and packers of fruits and vegetables.
