FDA proposing stricter rules for farms

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Food and Drug Administration is proposing the most sweeping food safety rules in decades.

The proposed rules are aimed at reducing the estimated 3,000 deaths a year from food borne illness. They require farmers to take precautions against contamination, including making sure workers' hands are washed, irrigation water is clean, and animals stay out of fields.

Local shoppers told 22News they support any regulations that will help make the food they eat safer.

“I think people's safety as far as what they eat is very important,” said Deb Benoit of West Springfield. “You know health is the most important thing so I’m all for it.”

Eleanor Ansari of West Springfield said, “You just had to be a little bit more careful with what you bought, especially with like even orange juice last year. I'm hoping it's gonna help but I don’t want to see the local farms hurt either.”

The new rules are subject to public comment for the next 120 days. Once they are final, farmers will have two years to get on board.