IFPA supports new FDA standards for produce safety oversight 

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2026 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the establishment of the Produce Regulatory Program Standards (PRPS), a new framework designed to strengthen and harmonize produce safety oversight across the United States.

Dr. Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962, issued the following statement:

“IFPA has consistently heard from members that food safety inspections can be inconsistent across jurisdictions, variable in quality, and at times conducted by inspectors who lack sufficient specialized training in produce production systems. Inconsistent application of standards during the production cycle, and especially during inspections, creates uncertainty for growers and shippers operating in multiple states, increases compliance costs, and can undermine confidence in the regulatory system.

“This uncertainty over time also leads to the proliferation of additional requirements from the buyers, further compounding the issue. Our members support strong food safety oversight—but that oversight must be risk-based, technically sound, and applied uniformly. We believe that the 2025 Produce Regulatory Program Standards (PRPS) represent a meaningful structural step toward addressing these concerns.

“The PRPS published yesterday establish defined training requirements for inspectors, including coursework, field training, continuing education, and formal qualification before independent inspections. They require written inspection procedures, standardized documentation, routine field audits of inspectors, performance scoring, and corrective action when standards are not met. Together, these elements create a national quality management framework designed to improve inspection consistency, professionalize the inspection workforce, and reduce variability in enforcement.

“IFPA has long been a champion of fully funding of food safety inspection conducted by states. IFPA supports full implementation and appropriate funding of these standards to ensure that inspections are consistent, science-based, and aligned with the realities of produce production. Improved inspector training, structured audit programs, and clearer accountability mechanisms will strengthen both public health protection and industry confidence.

“IFPA believes food safety regulations around the world should be clear, risk-based, prevention focused, scientifically rigorous, and not overly burdensome to the industry and that food safety is a shared responsibility for everyone at every step in the supply chain, from growers to consumers, fostering a culture of consistent and proactive implementation of best practices.

“IFPA stands ready to work collaboratively with regulators to promote uniformity, technical rigor, and continuous improvement in produce safety oversight nationwide.”

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

Contact: media@freshproduce.com; (202) 303-3411