Florida issues new rules for tomato industry

Florida’s Tomato Food Safety bill (CS/HB 69) authorizes the state’s Dept. of Ag and Consumer Services to protect the consuming public from tainted tomatoes. The rules apply to all aspects of tomato production, harvesting and repacking for sale for human consumption by a tomato farm, greenhouse, packinghouse or repacker in the state. The bill authorize the department to inspect farms, greenhouses, packinghouses, repacking facilities or any vehicle being used to transport or hold tomatoes to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The department is also authorized to impose administrative fines or issue a written notice or warning for violations. The rules are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2010.