Mar 30, 2018
CAWG secures winegrape exemption from Produce Safety Rule

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) said it has secured an exemption for winegrapes from the Produce Safety Rule.

In a statement, CAWG said:

“Since the FDA first contemplated new food safety regulations for produce, the CAWG has urged the agency to exempt winegrapes from the Produce Safety Rule on the basis these grapes are rarely consumed raw. A variety of commodities –including asparagus, figs, potatoes and pumpkins – are exempt from regulation because FDA determined these commodities were rarely consumed raw. However, when FDA published the rule in November 2015, the agency stated it lacked sufficient evidence, based on federal dietary surveys, to grant the exemption for winegrapes.

CAWG worked with the offices of Reps. David Valadao, R-Hanford, and Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel, to include legislative language in the most recently passed federal omnibus spending bill prohibiting FDA from using appropriated federal funds to regulate “…grape varietals that are grown, harvested and used solely for wine and further processing.”

CAWG will work with FDA and CDFA to identify methods for determining which grape varietals qualify for an exemption. The exemption will remain in effect through Sept. 30, 2018 and CAWG is working to continue the exemption through the remainder of the 2018 harvest and into subsequent years.

 




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