IFPA Open Letter to FDA on Collaboration

September 16, 2026

September 16, 2026

Kyle A. Diamantas, J.D.
Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20993

Dear Acting Commissioner Diamantas:

People deserve confidence in the fresh produce they bring home. The International Fresh Produce Association believes earning that confidence is a shared responsibility across our industry and the public agencies charged with protecting the public’s health. It requires continued improvements to food safety and clear communication about what we know, what remains uncertain, and what we are doing in response.

We ask the FDA to work with us to strengthen both consumer confidence and the produce supply chain.

First, that starts with how we communicate. Consumers should be able to understand what an investigation has revealed, what is still being examined, and what steps they should take. Being clear about uncertainty—and providing updates as evidence develops—helps people make informed decisions about their food. IFPA is committed to making the expertise of scientists and supply chain operators accessible to support that understanding.

Equally important is a transparent root cause analysis that clearly communicates what was learned from the outbreak and where knowledge gaps remain. Sharing those findings across industry, government, and academia enables continuous improvement and helps ensure that risk-based preventive control plans evolve with the best available science and operational experience.

Confidence also depends on the system’s ability to learn and improve. Our shared goal is to prevent illnesses and, when incidents occur, identify their source and respond as quickly as possible. Stronger end-to-end traceability is central to that work. IFPA supports implementation of the Food Traceability Rule and opposes continued delays.

Second, we have proposed a technology-enabled approach using warehouse management system that leverages modern technologies to support traceability. Our planned pilots will help test that approach, and we welcome the FDA’s expressed interest in observing them. Our commitment is to be clear about what the evidence establishes, where questions remain, and how findings can shape food safety regulation.

We urge the FDA to make evaluation of this a priority and establish a clear path toward accepting the approach if the evidence demonstrates that it meets Congressionally-mandated traceability requirements. This work is an opportunity to show consumers how industry and regulators can turn lessons learned into practical improvements.

IFPA will continue bringing scientists, growers, and supply chain operators together with public health officials to advance that work. We will share what we learn and explain how it informs our next steps.

Consumers should see how our shared commitment to food safety translates into action. Working together, the FDA and the fresh produce industry can strengthen the system that protects families and the confidence that helps them enjoy fresh produce.

Sincerely,

Max Teplitski, Ph.D.
Chief Science Officer
International Fresh Produce Association

IFPA Open Letter to FDA on Collaboration

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