Cargill statement on final FSMA rules

The final rules for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the United States have been published. Cargill is pleased that the new FSMA rules take a science-based and risk-based approach to food safety.

Success will depend greatly on how well the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implements them and partners with states and the private sector on matters from guidance to training and metrics. The FDA’s current work on metrics for public health outcomes is a positive step.

Cargill also hopes that the FDA will obtain the necessary budget allocation from Congress to allow for the satisfactory implementation of the rules. FDA has said on several occasions that in lieu of adequate funding, implementation would suffer. Whatever the outcome is on funding, Cargill believes resources should be allocated based on the level of risk.

Cargill also underscored that the FSMA rules are consistent we how it operates its manufacturing operations, which are based on prevention, intervention and response approaches that achieve improved public health outcomes.