Microbial Water Quality Regulations (FDA)

• There are microbial water quality requirements set by the FSMA Final Rule on Produce Safety. (FDA) They are current as of this posting in April, 2023 and will likely change in the near future due to proposed changes to subpart E of the rule (agricultural water). (FDA) If finalized, compliance dates for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements for covered produce other than sprouts will be as follows:
  • 2 years and 9 months after the effective date of a final rule for very small businesses;
  • 1 year and 9 months after the effective date of a final rule for small businesses; and
  • 9 months after the effective date of a final rule for all other businesses.
• The compliance dates for harvest and post-harvest agricultural water requirements are/were:
  • January 26, 2025, for very small businesses;
  • January 26, 2024, for small businesses; and
  • January 26, 2023, for all other businesses.