What does the Produce Safety Rule under FSMA define as 'produce' for compliance purposes?

Raw agricultural commodities, specifically those consisting of fruits and vegetables.

When viewed through the framework of US food safety regulation, the term 'produce' acquires a specific, technical, and legal definition under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The Produce Safety Rule established under FSMA targets commodities where contamination risk during initial handling is a primary concern. Under this rule, 'produce' is officially defined as raw agricultural commodities that are specifically identified as fruits and vegetables. This precise definition is critically important as it determines which farms are mandated to adhere to rigorous standards concerning worker hygiene protocols, water quality testing for irrigation, and the appropriate use of soil amendments, ensuring a baseline level of safety for these foundational food items.