FDA Proposed Safety Regulations has Growers Concerned

YAKIMA, Wash.-- The FDA is proposing food safety regulations that have growers in our area worried about what it could mean for their businesses.

The federal agency is considering rules that include requiring growers to test their water supply constantly and sanitize equipment.

But the Northwest Horticultural Council feels those rules are too broad.

They also say it isn't necessary for tree fruit growers.

"Leafy greens in general: tomatoes, cantaloupe last summer if you recall, have some serious issues. We have not. And so we think it should be a risk based system," said Northwest Horticultural Council President Christian Schlect.

The FDA says farms that earn less than a half a million in sales on average over the last three years would be exempt from some rules.

They also say they're working on a risk-based system for fruit and are taking public comment on it until May.