IFPA describes the framework as a meaningful step toward addressing long-standing concerns about inconsistent food safety inspections
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the establishment of the Produce Regulatory Program Standards (PRPS), a new framework designed to strengthen and harmonise produce safety oversight across the US.
In response, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has welcomed the move, noting that the standards represent a “meaningful structural step” to easing the concerns of its members in the industry.
“IFPA has consistently heard from members that food safety inspections can be inconsistent across jurisdictions, variable in quality, and at times conducted by inspectors who lack sufficient specialised training in produce production systems,” explained Dr Max Teplitski, chief science officer at IFPA.
”Inconsistent application of standards during the production cycle, and especially during inspections, creates uncertainty for growers and shippers operating in multiple states, increases compliance costs, and can undermine confidence in the regulatory system.
”This uncertainty over time also leads to the proliferation of additional requirements from the buyers, further compounding the issue,” he pointed out.
”Our members support strong food safety oversight – but that oversight must be risk-based, technically sound, and applied uniformly.
”We believe that the 2025 Produce Regulatory Program Standards (PRPS) represent a meaningful structural step toward addressing these concerns,” Teplitski said.
The standards published by the FDA establish defined training requirements for inspectors, including coursework, field training, continuing education, and formal qualification before independent inspections.
They require written inspection procedures, standardised documentation, routine field audits of inspectors, performance scoring, and corrective action when standards are not met, he stated.
Together, these elements create a national quality management framework designed to improve inspection consistency, professionalise the inspection workforce, and reduce variability in enforcement.
“IFPA has long been a champion of fully funding of food safety inspection conducted by states,” he continued.
”IFPA supports full implementation and appropriate funding of these standards to ensure that inspections are consistent, science-based, and aligned with the realities of produce production.
”Improved inspector training, structured audit programmes, and clearer accountability mechanisms will strengthen both public health protection and industry confidence,” Teplitski commented.
“IFPA believes food safety regulations around the world should be clear, risk-based, prevention focused, scientifically rigorous, and not overly burdensome to the industry and that food safety is a shared responsibility for everyone at every step in the supply chain, from growers to consumers, fostering a culture of consistent and proactive implementation of best practices.
“IFPA stands ready to work collaboratively with regulators to promote uniformity, technical rigour, and continuous improvement in produce safety oversight nationwide,” he added.
