Industry reacts to final FSMA rules on produce, importers

FDA Friday released details on the final Food Safety Modernization Act rules for produce safety, a foreign supplier verification program and accredited third-party certification.

“The recent multistate outbreak of salmonella in imported cucumbers that has killed four Americans, hospitalized 157 and sickened hundreds more, is exactly the kind of outbreak these rules can help prevent,” Michael Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine, said in a press release. “The FDA is working with partners across the government and industry to prevent foodborne outbreaks. The rules will help better protect consumers from foodborne illness and strengthen their confidence that modern preventive practices are in place, no matter where in the world the food is produced.”