FDA Issues New Biological Hazard Guide for Fresh-Cut Produce
The agency updated safety standards for manufacturers of ready-to-eat produce to align with current preventive control regulations.
The Food and Drug Administration has released a final guidance titled "Guide to Minimize Biological Hazards in Ready-to-Eat Fresh-Cut Produce". The new standards apply to manufacturers and processors of ready-to-eat fresh-cut produce, excluding low-moisture foods.
This update ensures industry compliance with regulations regarding current good manufacturing practices for hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls for human food.
The current guidance finalizes a draft version from 2018. It officially supersedes the 2008 "Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-Cut Fruits and Vegetables".
The FDA published the announcement on August 12, 2026. Compliance dates were not specified.