UPDATED FDA FOOD CODE RELEASED
News Date November 10, 2009
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Monday the publication of an updated FDA Food Code. The FDA food code serves as a model for food regulators at all levels, providing them with the legal and scientific basis for regulating the retail and service sectors of the food industry.
This latest publication, which is an update from the 2005 edition, contains additions such as new guidelines for handling leafy cut greens, requirements to improve food worker awareness of food allergens, and restrictions on serving undercooked ground meat on a children’s menu.
"Food Code adoption and implementation in all jurisdictions are important for achieving uniform national food safety standards and for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our nation's food safety system," said Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. According to the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), 48 of 56 states and territories have adopted food codes patterned after versions of the FDA Food Code. (By: Ethan Mathews, Contact: Amy Mann)