FDA Allows More Time for Comment on Sanitary Transportation Proposal

The Food and Drug Administration is extending until July 30 the period for comments on its proposed rule on the sanitary transportation of human and animal food. The proposed regulations issued under the Food Safety Modernization Act in February would apply to shippers, receivers, and carriers that transport human or animal food by truck or rail, including parties engaged in the international shipment of food in some circumstances (see 14020301). If an international shipper or carrier is subject to the rule and fails to comply, the food shipment would be refused entry into the U.S., said FDA in its proposed rule. FDA is extending the deadline because of requests from industry. Under a court settlement, FDA’s final rule on sanitary transportation is due March 31, 2016.