FDA updates food code

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a revised foodcode that provides the model for inspections of restaurants, food retailers andother types of foodservice venues. The code assists food-control jurisdictions throughoutgovernment by providing a scientifically sound technical and legal basis forregulating the retail and food service segment of the industry (restaurants andgrocery stores and institutions such as nursing homes). Local, state, tribaland federal regulators use the FDA food code as a model to develop or updatetheir own food-safety standards and to be consistent with national foodregulatory policy.The update includes changes on hamburgers and cut leafygreens that are included as foods that require time and temperature control forsafety. Hamburgers on children’s menus can no longer be undercooked uponcustomer request.

Other significant enhancements to the 2009 code include requirementsadded to improve food worker awareness of food allergen concerns in foodserviceand retail settings and additional or clarified requirements for effectivecleaning and sanitizing of equipment and surfaces.For more information visit theFDA website at http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/FoodCode2009/

Source: FDA