The FDA is announcing the availability of an updated guidance for industry entitled “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption: What You Need to Know About the FDA Regulation: Small Entity Compliance Guide” (SECG). This update aims to assist small entities in complying with the revised requirements related to pre-harvest agricultural water for covered produce (other than sprouts) under the Produce Safety Rule.
The SECG reflects changes made to the Produce Safety Rule by the May 2024 final rule, “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water”. Compliance dates for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements for covered produce (other than sprouts) begin on April 7, 2025, with date staggering based on farm size.