SILVER SPRING, MD―FDA has announced the publication of the new FDA Food Code, a model code and reference document for regulating the retail and foodservice segment of the food industry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA were consulted on changes in this latest edition of the FDA Food Code, the seventh full edition published by the FDA. The last full edition was released in 2005, with a supplement published in 2007.
The Food Code provides the basis for most of the state, city, county, tribal, and territorial agencies licensing, inspection, and enforcement activities for regulating restaurants, retail food stores, and vending and foodservice operations in institutions such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and child care centers, as well as serves as a model for their food statutes, regulations, and ordinances.. The FDA Food Code also serves as a reference document for the retail food industry.
Among the changes to the 2009 FDA Food Code are the following:
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Provisions are designated as a "Priority Item," a "Priority Foundation Item," or a "Core Item," based on qualitative risk assessment to assist in prioritizing food safety interventions and their inspections.
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Cut leafy greens now require time and temperature control for safety.
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Requirements have been added to improve worker awareness of food-allergen concerns in food service and retail.
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Children’s menus may no longer give the option of serving hamburgers and other ground meats in an undercooked form upon a consumer's request.
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A new definition and criteria have been added for noncontinuous cooking of raw-animal products to address process safety.
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Requirements for effective cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and surfaces are enhanced or clarified.
Copies of the 2009 FDA Food Code can be ordered from:
U.S. Department of Commerce, Technology Administration
National Technical Information Service
5301 Shawnee Road, Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 605-6040; TDD: (703) 487-4639
Reference report number PB2009112613