The agricultural marketing service of the US department of agriculture is recommending the establishment of a voluntary national marketing agreement to regulate handling of leafy green vegetables.
Marketing and production of leafy greens in the US in recent years has been dogged by health scares and the service hopes that with an agreement in place, the potential for contamination would be reduced and consumer confidence in leafy greens would return.
The National Leafy Green Marketing Agreement (NLGMA) would be open to lines such as lettuce, spinach and cabbage among others. It would be available for operators of all sizes and in all locations. Production areas would be divided into eight zones to recognise groups of states with similar climate and production environments. The board, which would be representative of the whole industry including the organic sector, would propose levies that could not exceed $0.05 a 24lb carton.
Industry views are being sought during a consultation period that will last until 28 July. The NLGMA would authorise the development and implementation of handling regulations to reflect good agricultural and good manufacturing practices laid down by the US food & drug administration as well as USDA good handling practices.
The proposal contains provision for governance structure, board representation and technical review committee.
Robert Guenther, senior vice-president of public policy at trade body United Fresh said: “We are pleased that USDA has initiated this step by releasing a proposed rule for leafy greens. It is now time for the industry to carefully review this proposal and decide if the merits of this proposed rule can validate a process that enhances the safety of fresh leafy greens across the country. We look forward to a broad discussion about this proposal and will engage our members aggressively to learn their views about this effort.”
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