RAC is defined in 21 CFR 112.2(a)(3) as any food in its raw or natural state, including all fruits
that are washed, colored or otherwise treated in their unpeeled natural form prior to marketing.
Washing RACs may be classified as “harvesting” on a farm but “manufacturing/processing”
when performed elsewhere. Washing RACs can also be classified as “packing” both on and off
farm when performed for the safe or effective packing of a food. If the farm is washing intact
lettuce (RACs) using water that has been chlorinated, FDA will consider this activity “harvesting”
or “packing” within the definition of “farm” in 21 CFR 1.227. Accordingly, a farm using
chlorinated water in this manner is not required to register on account of this activity.
