March

2 Environmental Committee 9:30AM
3 Production Research Committee 9:30AM
4 Nutrition Research Committee, UC-Davis 10:30AM
9 Food Quality & Safety Committee 9:30AM
26 International Committee 9:30AM
30 Leadership Development Committee 11:30AM
30 Board of Directors Meeting 1:00PM

Government Affairs

Government of India Announces New Food Safety Laws

In January, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced the Indian Parliament passed the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. FSSAI has assured everyone that this is just a repackaging of existing food safety and standards laws, including the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. The Government of India has not submitted these proposals to the WTO for review and comment by other member countries.

Of particular interest in the Rules and Regulations put forward by FSSAI is the small number of established maximum residue limits (MRLs) included. Trade partners with India argue that in the absence of established MRLs for numerous products, it would be best to defer to established Codex limits and that a transparent, science-based approach to India's existing and future MRLs would be best. ABC has provided comments to USDA for inclusion in their response to the notification.

For more information on food safety issues, visit almondboard.com/foodsafety.

Now is the time to update your records and documentation system! Maintaining readily retrievable records of your farm's operations is essential when it comes to food safety. Records should include fertility management, pesticide and foliar applications, worker training programs, servicing of sanitary facilities, and a lot identification system. Documentation maximizes your investment in risk reduction; without documentation there is no proof that your food safety program exists.

For more information about food safety issues, visit almondboard.com/foodsafety.

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