The US FDA issued a proposed rule today which, if finalized, would
enable manufacturers of heat-processed low-acid canned foods to
modernize their equipment by using alternative temperature-indicating
devices (TIDs). Under the proposal, these devices, which are the
state-of-the-art equipment for measuring and recording temperatures, may
be used instead of, or in addition to, conventional mercury-in-glass
thermometers (MIGs).
The agency will allow low-acid canned food manufacturers who follow the
proposed rule to change immediately from the currently required MIGs to
alternative TIDs. Although these TIDs remain out-of-compliance until the
proposal is finalized, FDA will consider, on a case-by-case basis,
exercising its enforcement discretion if the new devices are used in a
manner consistent with the proposed rule. Processors who choose this
option must comply with any revised requirements when the final rule
becomes effective.
FDA is providing a 90-day comment period on the proposed rule.
Interested persons can submit comments electronically to
http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments
<http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/oc/dockets/comments/commentdocket
.cfm?AGENCY=FDA> or in writing to the Division of Dockets Management
Branch (HFA-305), 5630 Fishers Lane, room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
Submitted comments should be identified by Docket Number 2007N-0026.
Source: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01585.html
Pamela Tom
University of California
Food Science and Technology Department
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616 USA
E-mail: pdtom@ucdavis.edu Fax: 530/752-4759
Web: http://seafood.ucdavis.edu
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