United Fresh requests extension for FSMA rules comments

United Fresh has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the comment period on certain provisions related to recordkeeping and the collection of information in the proposed Produce and Preventive Controls Rules. Several provisions currently face a comment deadline of Feb. 15. The extension is necessary to provide sufficient time for the industry to examine and respond to the complex and substantial changes proposed for the fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, as well as all other food industries in the United States.

United Fresh member-driven working groups for the two proposed rules have held several calls and webinars to move the review process forward in preparation for submitting comments to FDA. The working groups will also meet in coordination with FDA’s public FSMA hearings Feb. 27 in Washington, D.C., March 13 in Chicago, and March 26 in Portland, Ore.

For more information about the proposed Produce and Preventive Controls Rules, please visit the United Fresh FSMA page or contact Dr. David Gombas, United’s senior vice president of food safety and technology, at (202) 303-3400.