On Monday, United Fresh President Tom Stenzel testified at the Senate Agricultural, Rural Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee food safety hearing in Wisconsin. Stenzel said that produce food safety standards applied in a consistent manner, backed by federal oversight and responsibility, and based on a commodity-specific approach are critical components to a sound regulatory framework for the fresh produce industry. At the same hearing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the publication of its "Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetable," (Guide) a guidance document that provides food processors details on how to best apply Good Manufacturing Practices specifically to fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. "Everyone along the supply chain has a role to play in produce safety, and we support specific enforceable standards for fresh-cut ready-to-eat produce," said Stenzel. The Guide will be made final when the White House Office of Management and Budget completes the authorization step. For more information, please contact Dr. David Gombas at 202-303-3400 ext. 411.