6538884, 5K-4.002 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 6538884

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Division:

Division of Food Safety

Chapter:

FOOD

Overview

RULE:

5K-4.002	Adoption of Federal Regulations and Other Standards
5K-4.020	Food Permits; Requirements and Fees
5K-4.021	Training and Certification
5K-4.029	Tomato Packing House

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule is to establish inspection procedures and best management practices to enhance the safety of fresh tomatoes packed or repacked in Florida and to implement sections 11-13 of Chapter 2007-67, Laws of Florida, adopted during the 2007 Legislative Session. Procedures and processes will be developed to include sanitation and safety inspections of tomato packing and repacking houses. Guidelines adopted by FDACS entitled “The Tomato Best Practices Manual” (Ch. 5G-6, F.A.C.), which also relate to packing house operations and post harvest handling, are essential to the adoption and implementation of this proposed rule and have been integrated to apply needed practices and procedures for safe production and handling of tomatoes. These rules will have an effect on those establishments permitted by the FDACS in the State of Florida who handle tomatoes from arrival at tomato packing houses through distribution.

SUMMARY:

This rule development will address inspection, permit requirements, and best practices in the tomato industry for packers, re-packers and workers.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

500.09(1)(b), (3), (4), 500.12(1) (f), 570.07(6), 570.07(23), 570.481(1)(a) FS.

LAW:

500.03(1)(j), (n), 500.09(1)(b), (4), 500.12(1)(a), (f), 500.147(6), 570.48(2)(e), 570.481(1)(a), (b) FS.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

12/19/2008 Vol. 34/51

COMMENTS:

From 12/19/2008 To 1/9/2009 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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