United Fresh White Paper Details Impact of Food Safety Law on Produce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United Fresh Produce Association has released a new white paper that explores the likely effects of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, passed by the Congress late last month and signed into law by President Barack Obama January 4.

Available at www.unitedfresh.org, the white paper examines new requirements and regulations faced by businesses within the fresh produce supply chain under the new law. Included in the report are breakdowns on the ramifications for produce grower-shippers, wholesalers and distributors, fruit and vegetable importers, retailers and foodservice operators, and food transporters.

"The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act will mean significant changes for the fruit and vegetable industry," said Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy for United Fresh. "This white paper gives a quick but exhaustive rundown of the major changes that produce industry members can expect under the new law; all in plain English."

In addition to the segment-specific impacts for these sectors, the white paper contains a section that looks at the legislation's effect on the industry as a whole, including the aspects of the bill that deal with mandatory recall authority for FDA, traceability, foodborne illness surveillance, food safety education and training, protections against bioterrorism and laboratory testing.

The white paper also includes a quick-reference-style chart showing what new developments can be expected by each sector, as well as a timeline for the implementation of all new regulations under the law.