Arizona and California LGMAs ‘Meet and Exceed’ FDA’s New Water Rule
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in early December 2021, announced a proposed revision to Subpart E (Agricultural Water) of the Produce Safety Rule. Leafy Green Marketing Agreements (LGMA) in both California and Arizona have conducted a review of the initial proposal and say that the LGMA requirements meet and exceed the criteria in the proposed rule.
Since water can be a possible carrier of pathogens, the LGMA programs have always required growers to test their water. In 2019, the requirements were updated to include extra safeguards that ensure that growers complete the following: