Food Industry Regulatory Update July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

In This Week’s Edition:

Microplastics in Food; New FDA Webpage
FDA Releases Summary Report on Fresh Herbs Sampling for Microbiological Hazards
FDA to Host Webinar on Produce Safety Rule and Mushrooms
Agriculture Acquisition Regulation
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Temporary Relaxation of Substandard and Maturity Dockage Requirements
Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Pummelos Grown in Florida; Increased Assessment Rate
Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
FSIS Launches New Allergen Verification Sampling Program
FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Status Update
FSIS Updates Lists of Foreign Establishments Eligible to Export to U.S.
FDA Import Alerts
FDA Warning Letters

Microplastics in Food; New FDA Webpage

See FDA’s updated webpage for infromation on microplastics and nanoplastics in foods here.

FDA Releases Summary Report on Fresh Herbs Sampling for Microbiological Hazards

FDA released findings from a sampling assignment that collected and tested both domestic and imported fresh basil, cilantro, and parsley. The assignment sought to estimate the prevalence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Salmonella spp., and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in these herbs as part of the FDA’s ongoing effort to help proactively ensure food safety.

FDA to Host Webinar on Produce Safety Rule and Mushrooms

The May 30, 2024 Webinar on Basic Mushroom Growing, Harvesting, Holding, and Packing Activities Under the Produce Safety Rule has been rescheduled for August 6, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. EST. The webinar will focus on information around growing, harvesting, packing and holding practices for the most common types of mushrooms, white and button.

Agriculture Acquisition Regulation

USDA is proposing to make amendments to the Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) to align the AGAR with changes to acquisition law, regulations, and internal USDA policies since the AGAR’s last major revision in 1996. Interested parties should submit written comments on or before August 26, 2024, to be considered in the formation of the final rule.

Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Temporary Relaxation of Substandard and Maturity Dockage Requirements

AMS has issued a final rule which adopts, without change, an interim final rule that temporarily changes the substandard and maturity dockage requirements for raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for raisins produced from grapes grown in California. For the 2023-2024 crop year, the minimum requirements for substandard and maturity dockage in the marketing order’s handling regulations are relaxed to accommodate raisins adversely impacted by severe weather conditions.

Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Pummelos Grown in Florida; Increased Assessment Rate

This AMS rule implements a recommendation from the Citrus Administrative Committee to increase the assessment rate established for the 2023-2024 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.015 to $0.02 per \4/5\-bushel carton or equivalent for Florida citrus handled under the marketing order. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the USDA’s FSIS announced. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products.

FSIS Launches New Allergen Verification Sampling Program

This new FSIS Directive provides instructions to inspection program personnel to collect samples for the allergen verification sampling program conducted at establishments that produce ready-to-eat products with labeling claims for 14 food allergens and gluten.

FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Status Update

This week’s updates are:

For the outbreak of Salmonella Irumu (ref #1235) linked to a not yet identified product, the case count has increased from 29 to 31.
For the investigation of illnesses (ref #1233) linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies, the advisory has been updated to include additional illnesses.

CORE Investigation Table