FDA plans more delays to food traceability rule; food safety leaders it’s time to quit stalling
The FDA has announced what it calls a move toward implementing the food traceability rule, but some food safety experts say the agency isn’t really moving the needle.
In its announcement, the Food and Drug Administration said it plans a series of “engagements” with stakeholders to ensure that industry has the information and tools necessary to comply with the food traceability rule.
The rule was imposed by the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011. There have been years of public hearings, industry consultations, proposed rules and reactions to them. The rule, simply put, requires companies to maintain records that can trace the movement of food within the United States. It was designed to aid in the investigation of foodborne illness outbreaks.
The industry, from farmers to retailers, balked at the rule, saying it imposed excessive burdens on them. These companies often keep paper records of only certain transactions and often cannot find information when the FDA requests it during outbreaks and recalls.
“The final rule requires these entities to maintain records containing information about critical tracking events in the supply chain of these designated foods, such as the initial packaging, shipping, receipt, and processing of these foods. The requirements established in the final rule will help FDA quickly and effectively identify recipients of these foods in order to prevent or mitigate outbreaks of foodborne illness and address credible threats of serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA.
Although the FDA has been working on the rule since 2011, seeking input from industry throughout the process, it plans further discussions with stakeholders.
At least two food safety officials say enough is enough.
Sandra Eskin, CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness and former USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Food Safety, said: Food safety news It’s good that the FDA is making sure companies have what they need, but they say the job is done.
“The decision to delay the ruling was unfortunate, but if retailers and small entities subject to the rule were challenged to comply, we hope FDA can address those challenges in the additional time needed to comply with the guidance and stakeholder engagement. I certainly hope FDA does not reopen the rulemaking,” Eskin said.
Frank Yiannas, former FDA deputy commissioner for food policy and response, went further. He said Food safety news that the FDA announcement did not describe real actions.
“More listening sessions may sound nice, but we’ve already conducted numerous pilot projects, held public meetings, and a multitude of listening sessions with stakeholders. It’s been 15 years since Congress asked the FDA to implement a food traceability rule. At some point, we’ll need less talk, endless meetings, and more action,” Yiannas said.
“Solving foodborne illnesses, many of which remain unsolved, strengthening investigations into root causes, and preventing recurring outbreaks depend on it. It’s time to move on.”
