The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released drafts of two long-awaited food safety rules as part of the agency’s ongoing implementation of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The first proposed rule requires makers of food that is to be sold in the United States to develop written plans to prevent their products from spreading foodborne illnesses. The second proposed rule sets forth food safety standards for the production and harvesting of food.

CURRENT GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE, HAZARD ANALYSIS, AND RISK-BASED PREVENTIVE CONTROLS FOR HUMAN FOOD -

The first new rule, in part revising the FDA’s existing regulations regarding good manufacturing practice, would apply to facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold human food. Some exceptions include facilities engaged in low-risk activities such as making jam and maple syrup, manufacturing dietary supplements, and certain alcoholic beverage operations. Facilities that are covered under the rule would be required to establish and implement a food safety system that incorporates the following components...