Plant City, Florida, USA
April 1, 2010

To: Watermelon Industry
From: National Watermelon Association

SUBJECT: Saving Money

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have begun a time sensitive project to approach the Food & Drug Administration directly and indirectly to request that they reconsider Watermelon from their current methods. You can help us. Here is how:

Currently, Watermelon is grouped in the Melon category, which is one of the seven High Risk categories based on FDA-traced outbreaks. FDA has verified that Watermelon has NO outbreaks related to production or industry practices. Yet, many of our farmers and handlers are required to invest ‘unnecessarily’ in additional audits and other food safety programs by their customers due to the inclusion in the Melon category.

The documents enclosed with this mailing are numerous, and are filled with definitions, resources, validation and quotes that we believe will encourage FDA to reconsider their current definition of Watermelon, and the results of being ‘guilty by association’. There is a public comment period opened by the FDA until May 24th. And, we also ask that you send a letter to your Representative and both Senators in Washington, alerting them to our plight, and asking for their help.

We are asking everyone in the watermelon industry (farmers, harvesters, packers, sales companies, shippers, brokers, every supplier, and more) to submit comments to FDA. Every one of us has a stake in this expectation; it is not just the farmers and packers. It is all of us. If we can minimize the costs related to farming and packing, then everyone in the industry will benefit. A happy farmer makes for a happy industry. Everyone Wins!

Food safety is not going away. In fact, by the end of 2011 it will be mandatory for all fruits and vegetables. But, if we can get enough of us to submit comments and send letters to Congress, we may be able to encourage FDA to put Watermelon in its rightful place, as one of the safest and healthiest crops (commodities) that consumers enjoy.

Everything in this packet of information is posted on the NWA web site, and can easily be accessed through your computer. We are asking for 10 minutes of your time, please. Help us to help you. Everyone benefits, and we continue to provide a safe & healthy crop for consumers around the World to enjoy. Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Robert Morrissey
Executive Director

Website: http://www.nationalwatermelonassociation.com

Published: April 6, 2010