Some fruit tree farmers say they're getting a raw deal from proposed FDA regulations

A Food and Drug Administration proposal to prevent food-borne illnesses has upset some tree farmers, who say the strict new standards could significantly increase their costs and responsibilities, leading to higher costs for consumers, Brady Dennis reports for The Washington Post. The new rules are in response to the 2010 Food Safety Modernization Act, which directs the FDA to build a new food-safety system.

The proposal would mostly include foods that are consumed raw, while foods usually cooked or processed would not be included, Dennis reports. Rules could include "regular testing of irrigation water, sanitizing canvas fruit-picking bags, and keeping animals away from crops."

Some farmers say they don't see the point of the proposed regulations, Dennis writes. "Many tree fruit farmers worry about the cost of such measures and say they would offer few safety benefits. They argue that the FDA should focus more on foods that have caused deadly outbreaks and less on fruits that have a virtually flawless safety record, grow above the ground and, in some cases, have protective skins or rinds." (Read more)