The US Food and Drug Administration is seeking public comments and recommendations on measures relating to the Food Safety Modernization Act, which requires manufacturers of food and animal feed to implement measures for safe production and mitigation of risks.

The deadline for comment is August 22, and FDA said it expects the proposed rule to be published in fall 2011. The public may submit comments electronically or via mail to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, Maryland, USA, 20852.

"The preventive-controls requirement of FSMA is one of the most important aspects of this historic law on food safety. It's imperative that we get information, data and feedback from industry and other stakeholders," said Michael R. Taylor, deputy FDA commissioner for foods.