What guidance does FDA have for manufacturers of Dried Figs and Dates?

Dried figs, both domestic and foreign, are subject to insect infestation during their growth and when stored under unsuitable conditions. Figs may also become moldy if not properly stored and handled. The industry has made substantial progress in eliminating conditions which result in contamination or spoilage of figs, but it is still necessary to refuse entry to some dried figs and fig paste because of insect or rodent contamination, mold, sourness, or fermentation.

Dried dates are refused entry if insect infested, if they contain other forms of filth, or are moldy or decomposed. The presence of unpitted dates, or dates containing broken pieces of pits, in shipments of "pitted dates" is also a cause of refusing shipments.