Final answer:
The FSMA produce rule does not define covered produce as having a physical barrier to prevent contamination; rather it sets standards for safe production practices. The rule is aimed at minimizing contamination risks, and while better sterilization and canning methods have decreased botulism cases, this is separate from the FSMA's regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that covered produce under the FSMA produce rule refers to produce having a physical barrier to prevent contamination is False. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) produce rule does not define covered produce as having a physical barrier. Instead, the rule establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. The rule is part of a broader effort to improve the safety of the food supply, and it emphasizes preventative measures to minimize the risks of contamination rather than physical barriers.
There have been improvements in sterilization and canning procedures over the years which have indeed helped reduce the incidence of botulism, a serious foodborne illness. And while it's true that most cases of foodborne illness are often associated with small-scale food production, it's not accurate to say that this is a result of lack of physical barriers, as stated by the FSMA produce rule. Moreover, when it comes to organic produce, which is regulated by the USDA, one major aspect is the limitation on the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which is unrelated to physical barriers for preventing contamination and instead focuses on sustainable and safe agricultural practices.