Temporary Policy During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Regarding the Qualified Exemption From the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption: Guidance for Industry; Availability

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Agency, or we) is announcing the availability of a final guidance for industry entitled "Temporary Policy During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Regarding the Qualified Exemption from the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption." Given the public health emergency presented by COVID-19, this guidance document is being implemented without prior public comment because FDA has determined that prior public participation is not feasible or appropriate, but it remains subject to comment in accordance with the Agency's good guidance practices. The guidance communicates the Agency's intention to exercise enforcement discretion, in the manner described in the guidance, regarding sales to qualified end-users when determining eligibility for the qualified exemption from the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption, due to disruptions to supply chains, for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.