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In the US, A group of congressman from both chambers has called for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to submit a second set of food safety rules for public comment before they are finalised.

In a letter signed by 75 members of congress, additional time was called for after the initial comment period covering proposed rule for the growing harvesting and packing of fresh produce came to an end on 22 November.

The letter said that there were fears that current proposed rules, and the cost of complying with them, could force some producers and processors out of business.

Ray Gilmer of the United Fresh Produce Association said the letter backed up the claims of many in the industry that more time was needed to consider the approach to food safety.

“After hearing many reservations from our farmers and businesses, we are concerned that the rules as currently proposed, and the heavy cost of complying with them, will force some producers and processors to shutter their operations,” the Nov. 25 letter states. - See more at: http://www.capitalpress.com/article/20131127/ARTICLE/131129916/1169#sthash.dmQUPsMq.dpuf
“After hearing many reservations from our farmers and businesses, we are concerned that the rules as currently proposed, and the heavy cost of complying with them, will force some producers and processors to shutter their operations,” the Nov. 25 letter states. - See more at: http://www.capitalpress.com/article/20131127/ARTICLE/131129916/1169#sthash.dmQUPsMq.dpuf

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