United Fresh Looks to Extend Comment Period on GAPs
November 26, 2008
In early September of this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested the submission of comments on the produce industry guidance standards that were established by the 1998 Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
(GAPs). Given that the original GAPs standards are now a decade old,
the FDA is looking to modernize its recommendations "based on current
best agricultural practices and conditions used to grow, harvest, pack,
cool, and transport fresh produce, as well as risk factors for
contamination of fresh produce associated with these practices, and
possible measures that FDA could implement that would enhance the
safety of fresh produce." The FDA's original deadline for comments is
December 31, however in order to better evaluate the standards set
forth in the 1998 document and adjust them to today's best practices,
United Fresh has requested a 90-day extension of the comment period
until March 31, 2009. For questions or feedback regarding United Fresh
GAPs comments, please contact Dr. David Gombas, senior vice president of food safety and technology at 202-303-3400.
United Fresh Produce Association
1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202 303 3400
Fax: 202 303 3433 united@unitedfresh.org
