Romaine Task Force labeling advisory update

A work group within the Romaine Task Force has updated the voluntary packaging labeling guidance for romaine. This labeling was developed to provide consumers easy access to information about harvest regions and harvest dates associated with romaine products. This updated labeling is an outcome of discussions with a cross-section of the fresh produce industry, which included the Grower-Shipper Association and government officials charged with providing guidance for this voluntary program. Thank you to all of our members who participated in the survey GSA produced to help guide our feedback as this advisory was being developed. This product labeling is viewed as an interim step until better traceback mechanisms are in place.

The Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh’s question and answer document on the voluntary labeling guidance to assist growers, shippers and processors with implementation is the industry’s resource for implementation of this voluntary packaging labeling program has been updated to reflect the discussions referenced above. You can view that draft Q&A here. Please note there are some areas of continued discussion which are noted in the Q&A. Additional updates will be made available and industry comment will be sought before this document is finalized.

In addition to the voluntary packaging labeling guidance, the Romaine Task Force has established work groups in the areas of traceability, science and prevention and outbreak investigations. GSA is committed to continually communicate to our members about the efforts and outcomes from this Task Force as information is available, as well as provide our members’ input directly to the Task Force as this process continues to move forward. Once this document is finalized, GSA will transition its Task Force participation to traceability discussions.

For any questions regarding the new labeling guidance, please contact Jim Bogart or Abby Taylor-Silva.

For more information:
lgma.ca.gov