If improperly processed, canned foods can contain botulism, a toxin that can paralyze and kill human beings. The FDA is making it easier for manufacturers of acidified and low-acid canned foods to submit information about the manufacturing process and to improve the accuracy of that information.
The Agency will begin using forms that are specific to the different industry manufacturing processes. Forms for low-acid retorted method, acidified method, water activity control method, and low-acid aseptic systems will now be separate. This will help the FDA ensure the safety of these higher risk foods.
Stakeholders will be able to comment on these forms before they are put into use. In the next few days, FDA will issue a Federal Register notice announcing the availability of public comment on a draft guidance.
