FDA finalizes new Food Safety Modernization Act rules

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released new rules for American produce growers and food importers.

The FDA announced Friday that the agency had finalized rules implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which establishes enforceable safety standards for produce farms and makes importers accountable for verifying that imported foods meet U.S. safety standards.

The FDA also issued a rule establishing a program for accrediting auditors to conduct food safety audits of foreign facilities.
According to the FDA, FSMA will help produce growers and food importers take steps to prevent foodborne illnesses and other problems before they occur.

Additional details on FSMA can be found here: http://1.usa.gov/1YdaqcK.