FDA Provides Clarification on Rice in Areas Affected by Hurricane Harvey

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement Thursday to provide much-needed guidance to rice farmers whose crops are in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey and Irma. Under the original statement issued by FDA last week, it was unclear whether any crops in those areas would be accepted for use in human or animal food.

 

This new guidance from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb clarifies that rice that was not exposed to floodwaters can be sold. "I want to make it clear that the FDA has not issued a ban on rice or any other food crops. Rice grown in normal conditions and rice that has not been exposed to contaminated floodwaters from the recent hurricanes may enter commerce. Also, rice and other crops that were harvested and stored safely before storms hit should not be considered impacted by these events."

 

Commissioner Gottlieb went on to say that, "In many cases, it is challenging to determine what contaminants are in crops that were submerged by floodwaters. Both human and animal food must meet well-established safety requirements. FDA has experts that are working closely with state regulators and directly with producers to address questions and concerns."