Purpose
The purpose of this rule is to establish inspection procedures and best management practices to enhance the safety of fresh tomatoes packed or repacked in Florida and to implement sections 11-13 of Chapter 2007-67, Laws of Florida, adopted during the 2007 Legislative Session. Procedures and processes will be developed to include sanitation and safety inspections of tomato packing and repacking houses. Guidelines adopted by FDACS entitled The Tomato Best Practices Manual (5G-6, F.A.C.), which also relate to packing house operations and post harvest handling, are essential to the adoption and implementation of this proposed rule and have been integrated to apply needed practices and procedures for safe production and handling of tomatoes. These rules will have an effect on those establishments permitted by the FDACS in the State of Florida who handle tomatoes from arrival at tomato packing houses through distribution.