WASHINGTON - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) congratulates Dr. Marty Makary on his confirmation as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). IFPA looks forward to collaborating with Commissioner Makary and FDA leadership to advance policies that enhance food safety, increase transparency in nutrition labeling, and expand access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables as a cornerstone of public health.

“With diet-related diseases driving healthcare costs and impacting millions of Americans, we must prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables as a solution,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “We are eager to work with Commissioner Makary and the FDA to ensure a prevention-focused approach to food safety, improve food labeling transparency, and the integration of fresh produce into healthcare and nutrition programs.”

IFPA’s key food safety priorities for FDA collaboration include:

• Modernize FDA’s inspection approach by shifting to a prevention-based system that prioritizes hazard analyses and food safety plans over outdated Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Integrate FDA’s Human Foods Program with its inspection force to eliminate inefficiencies and ensure stronger, science-based oversight.
• Enhance transparency in food safety funding to ensure resources are effectively allocated to improve public health outcomes.
• Establish clear accountability measures to track progress and drive improvements in FDA’s reorganization plan.

Nutrition-related policy priorities include:

• Adopt a "whole-of-government" strategy to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, including expanding Produce
• Prescriptions in healthcare and allowing fresh produce purchases under Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs).
• Strengthen food labeling standards to empower consumers with transparent information.
• Require products claiming to contain fruits and vegetables to disclose the actual amount per serving.
• Mandate a “contains no fruits and vegetables” label for products that misleadingly depict them.
• Improve and implement front-of-package nutrition labeling to help consumers make informed choices.

IFPA is committed to working alongside Commissioner Makary and the FDA to champion these critical initiatives, ensuring a healthier future for all Americans and a stronger fresh produce industry.