FDA’s final rule on pre-harvest agricultural water: What to know?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a final rule revising the use of agricultural water in pre-harvest activities. This update modifies certain requirements from the 2015 Produce Safety Rule. The goal is to identify and reduce contamination risks linked to the use of this water.
Key aspects of the final rule
- Annual mandatory assessments: The regulation mandates yearly assessments of preharvest water. These assessments aim to identify factors that may pose risks to fresh produce or surfaces in contact with it. These factors include the water system used, water usage practices, crop characteristics, and environmental conditions.
- Effective mitigation measures: Based on assessment results, farms must implement corrective or mitigation measures within specified timeframes to minimize contamination risks. Particular attention will be given to activities related to adjacent or nearby land uses.
- Administrative review: The final rule requires a review of the assessments and the actions taken based on these results.
- Compliance dates: Compliance deadlines have been set based on farm size. Very small farms have up to 2 years and 9 months, small farms have up to 1 year and 9 months, and the rest of the farms have 9 months to comply. These deadlines are effective 60 days after the rule’s publication.
It is important to note that this new regulation does not affect existing requirements for water used during harvest and post-harvest activities.
Additionally, the FDA announced collaboration with state partners to implement these changes. This includes working with regulators and educators such as the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and the Produce Safety Alliance to provide necessary training for this new rule.
Importance of understanding and adhering to this rule
Implementing this regulation is a significant step toward improving the safety of fresh produce. Comprehending and complying with this new rule is not just a legal obligation but also crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural products for consumers.
Pathogen contamination in agricultural water can have severe consequences, impacting public health and the growers’ reputation, and failing to comply can result in penalties and legal issues. On the contrary, improving product quality by meeting the rule’s requirements will substantially increase market confidence and open new business opportunities.
At ProducePay, we ensure all growers in our network adhere to the highest quality standards in production. This commitment is not just about delivering nutritious products but also about being responsible towards the environment and communities. Our team of expert agronomists conducts solid field inspections to ensure compliance with international standards and regulations in each country where we operate.
Learn more about how ProducePay supports growers with financing solutions and agricultural expertise to deliver quality, sustainable products and grow their businesses.
Sources: FDA