November 19,2026 | virtual meeting

Navigating the FDA’s Finalized Fresh-Cut Produce Guidance

Q: Who should attend this IFPA webinar?

This webinar is tailored for fresh-cut produce processors, food safety and quality assurance (FSQA) professionals, commercial produce buyers, and distributors whose operations are subject to the FDA Preventive Controls for Human Food rule.

A Moderated Q&A with FDA Panelists on Biological Hazard Controls in RTE Fresh-Cut Operations

Thursday, November 19, 2026

1:00 PM ET – 2:00 PM ET

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In August 2026—eight years after the initial 2018 draft—the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized its landmark Guide to Minimize Biological Hazards in Ready-to-Eat Fresh-Cut Produce. Join IFPA for an operational, question-driven briefing featuring two key FDA authors who shaped the finalized guidance.

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR SUBMIT ANONYMOUS QUESTION

Practical Clarity for Fresh-Cut Processors, Buyers, and Distributors

Translating regulatory guidance into daily plant operations can bring up complex, real-world scenarios. Whether you are updating your Food Safety Plan, refining wash water validation protocols, or aligning supplier verification under the FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food rule, this session is designed to give you direct clarity from the source.

"Rather than a standard slide presentation, this webinar is shaped entirely by your advance questions."

Why Attend

Direct Access to FDA Authors: Hear directly from Adam Baker and Gordon Davidson, two FDA panelists involved in developing the August 2026 final guidance.
Built Around Real Operational Scenarios: Have you faced a situation where the written guidance didn’t provide a clear-cut answer? Share your scenario anonymously — your question doesn’t need to be phrased perfectly. Our moderators will help shape it into a productive conversation.
Actionable Compliance Insights: Gain clarity on how the finalized recommendations apply to ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut processing, sanitation, and recordkeeping.

Webinar Details

Thursday, November 19, 2026
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
60 minutes, virtual (zoom)
Open to All

Secure Your Spot

Register today to join the live moderated Q&A with FDA panelists and receive the recording.

REGISTER NOW

Submit Your Question

Have a facility scenario or gray area in the August 2026 final guidance? Submit your question anonymously ahead of the webinar.

ASK HERE
(ANONYMOUS)

What Topics Will the FDA Fresh-Cut Produce Webinar Cover?

Our moderated Q&A will focus on five core compliance and operational areas from the finalized FDA Guide to Minimize Biological Hazards in Ready-to-Eat Fresh-Cut Produce:

1. Wash Water Validation and Antimicrobial Process Controls
Understanding how to validate, monitor, and document antimicrobial treatments in flume and wash water systems to prevent cross-contamination of ready-to-eat fresh-cut produce.

2. Supply Chain Program and Foreign Supplier Verification (FSVP)
Aligning raw agricultural commodity (RAC) sourcing, grower assessments, and Foreign Supplier Verification Program expectations with the Preventive Controls rule.

3. Environmental Monitoring and Listeria Management
Best practices for designing a robust environmental monitoring program (EMP), zone mapping, and corrective actions to control Listeria monocytogenes in wet, cool processing environments.

4. Sanitation Controls and Cleaning Procedures
Implementing effective master sanitation schedules, equipment breakdown protocols, and biofilm prevention across fresh-cut processing lines.

5. Recordkeeping and Food Safety Plan Requirements
Ensuring your hazard analysis, preventive control documentation, and verification records meet the expectations outlined in the August 2026 finalized guidance.

Featured FDA Panelists

Adam Baker

Panelist & Guidance Contributor
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Gordon Davidson

Panelist & Guidance Contributor
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Finalized in August 2026 (following the 2018 draft), the FDA Guide to Minimize Biological Hazards in Ready-to-Eat Fresh-Cut Produce provides the agency’s current thinking on how fresh-cut produce processors can comply with the FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food rule (21 CFR Part 117) to minimize microbial food safety hazards.

This webinar is tailored for fresh-cut produce processors, food safety and quality assurance (FSQA) professionals, commercial produce buyers, and distributors whose operations are subject to the FDA Preventive Controls for Human Food rule.

Registrants and industry members can submit questions anonymously in advance using the IFPA Question Submission Form. You can submit specific regulatory questions or describe real-world facility scenarios for the panelists to address.

Ready to Get Clarity on the Finalized FDA Fresh-Cut Guidance?

Join your peers across the fresh produce supply chain for this timely, interactive conversation with FDA leadership.

STEP 1

Register for the Live Webinar

STEP 2

Submit Your Anonymous Question

STEP 3

Review the Finalized FDA Guidance

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR