FDA Says FY2016 Budget Is Crucial For FSMA Implementation
By Laurel Maloy, contributing writer, Food Online
The long, complex process of drafting a comprehensive food-safety plan is nearing completion, according to the agency
Michael Taylor, Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine at the FDA addressed the United Fresh Produce Association Conference in Washington on Wednesday, Sept 10. Voicing his intention of addressing the details of the re-proposed Produce Safety Rule, Foreign Supplier Verification (FSVP), and Preventive Controls, Taylor revealed these proposals are still under review. Taylor did, however, provide an overview on the expected changes regarding produce companies and discussed FSMA’s court-mandated deadlines:
- Aug 30, 2015: Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food
- Oct 31, 2015: Produce Safety, Foreign Supplier Verification Program, and Third-Party Accreditation
- Mar 31, 2016: Sanitary Transport
- May 31, 2016: Intentional Adulteration
Webinar: FSMA Fridays — The Sanitary Transport Of Human And Animal Food
These deadlines were amended in federal district court in Oakland, CA, ending a lawsuit between the Center for Food Safety (CFS), the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), and the FDA. The FDA was requesting targeted timeframes, while the two agencies were pushing for a May 1, 2014 deadline. The judge compromised, splitting the times estimated for final rule publication between the government agency and the advocacy groups. Taylor expressed doubt that new, extended comment periods would be forthcoming, and could not, in fact, give an exact date for finalization, stating, “We are very close.” He explained that his boss could potentially be held in contempt if the deadlines are not met. He clarified further: though there will be “a reasonable comment period” on the re-proposed rules, extended periods are unnecessary as these are not new topics.
Final Rules have been issued for:
- Record Availability Requirements: Establishment, Maintenance, and Availability of Records
- Information Required in Prior Notice of Imported Food
- Criteria Used to Order Administrative Detention of Food for Human or Animal Consumption
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While speaking with reporters after the conference, Taylor again emphasized the need for increased funding in order to properly and efficiently implement FSMA. He was somewhat apologetic for repeating this funding mantra, but says, “I’m duty-bound…” and that FY2016 is crucial for obtaining the budget necessary for successful implementation of FSMA.