FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is requesting comments on its new proposed guidelines for fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, which appeared in the Federal Register on 25 October, with the comment period open until 24 November.

According to Food Safety News, the agency has singled out fresh-cut produce for specific guidelines because of the increased consumption in the category, and the heightened potential for foodborne illness.

The FDA's 'Guide to Minimise Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-Cut Fruits and Vegetables' offers instructions on how to process fresh produce, with recommendations made on 'the current state of science', the FDA said.

Despite the guidelines, some food safety experts in the country have noted that the agency's proposals are merely hopeful as opposed to mandatory requirements, with the text using words such as 'voluntary' and 'encourage'.

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