The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday, March 5, finalised a new food-safety rule aimed at helping prevent food contamination during transportation.

The rule requires those involved in transporting human and animal food-shippers, loaders, carriers and receivers-to follow best practices for sanitary transportation, including proper refrigeration of food, adequate cleaning of vehicles between loads and proper protection of food during transportation.

The regulation applies to food transported within the US by motor or rail vehicle.

"Consumers deserve a safe food supply and this final rule will help to ensure that all those involved in the farm-to-fork continuum are doing their part to ensure that the food products that arrive in our grocery stores are safe to eat," said Michael R. Taylor, the FDA's deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine.

The new rule is the sixth of seven rules to be finalised under the landmark FDA Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA). The seventh rule, which will protect food against intentional adulteration, is expected to be finalised later this year. "These seven rules will work together to systemically strengthen the food safety system and better protect public health", the FDA said.

The first five rules, involving food processing, storage facilities, imported food and produce farms, were finalised last year.

The new regulation will take effect one year after publication of the final rule. Smaller businesses will have two years to comply with the new requirements.