WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration will delay sweeping food safety rules proposed earlier this year and revise them to better accommodate farmers and businesses who would be affected.

The FDA says it wants to make sure the rules are practical for farmers who have to abide by them.

Michael Taylor is deputy commissioner for foods. He said Thursday the agency's thinking has evolved and "significant changes" are needed.

The rules proposed in January would require farmers to take new precautions against contamination, making sure workers' hands are washed, irrigation water is clean, and that animals stay out of fields.

Food manufacturers would have to submit food safety plans to the government to show they are keeping their operations clean.