FDA Requests Information for Risk Assessment of Untreated Biological Soil Amendments

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is requesting scientific data, information, and comments that would assist the Agency in its plan to develop a risk assessment for produce grown in fields or other growing areas amended with untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin (including raw manure). The risk assessment will evaluate and, if feasible, quantify the risk of human illness associated with consumption of produce grown in fields or other growing areas amended with untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin that are potentially contaminated with enteric pathogens, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Salmonella. The risk assessment also will evaluate the impact of certain interventions, such as use of a time interval between application of the soil amendment and crop harvest, on the predicted risk. The risk assessment is intended to inform policy decisions with regard to produce safety.
You may submit either electronic or written comments and scientific data and information by May 3, 2016.
For project information and how to submit comments and data, visit www.federalregister.gov/risk-assessment-of-foodborne-illness-associated-with-pathogens-from-produce-grown-in-fields-amended.
For further information, contact Jane Van Doren, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-005), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740; 240-402-2927.