Food & Drug Administration will publish a notice in the Federal Register tomorrow that it is exempting growers of hops, winegrapes, pulse crops and almonds from the requirements of the Produce Safety Regulations.
It noted that it is considering “pursuing rulemaking to address the unique circumstances they each present.” Pending further actions, FDA said, “we will not expect entities growing, harvesting packing or holding these commodities to meet any of the Produce Safety Regulations requirements with respect to these commodities.”
In the event new information regarding safety concerns associated with the production and consumption of these commodities becomes available, FDA said it will consider “revising our intent to exercise enforcement discretion.”
The action does not change the obligation of beverage, wine, beer and food manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products, however.