The FDA will hold four public meetings to discuss “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption: Draft Guidance for Industry.” The purpose is to discuss the draft guidance for compliance and implementation of the rule, which was issued under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.

The meetings will provide information and facilitate comment so that stakeholders can better evaluate and provide input on the draft guidance. Interested parties can provide information and offer comments related to the produce safety rule draft guidance. Information about the various chapters of the draft guidance include general provisions; personnel qualifications and training; health and hygiene; biological soil amendments of animal origin; domesticated and wild animals; growing, harvesting, packing and holding activities on a farm; equipment, tools, buildings and sanitation; records; and variances. Stakeholder panels will provide discussion on the various issues. There will be an opportunity for questions and for open public comment.