Food safety modernization

Food safety modernization

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Farmers will soon be hearing a lot more about the Food Safety Modernization Act and the fact that on-farm inspections are on the horizon: One rule is the Produce Safety Rule– one of 7 FSMA rules being implemented. Stephanie Page is director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Animal Services programs:

"We've been doing a lot of outreach work to growers, first of all to let them know this rule exists. I'm sure there are folks out there that still aren't aware that it is coming. Also to let folks know about some of the things that they will need to do and to pay attention to over the next few years."

Mandatory routine produce farm inspections nationwide are coming, conducted either by FDA or the states. With FSMA and the Produce Safety Rule focusing on prevention of food borne illnesses, the training required of all affected farms will center on those critical areas where raw fruits and vegetables might become contaminated. Page has two pieces of advice to growers: "Figure out whether you are covered by the rule and which compliance dates apply to you, and get the required training." FDA has delayed on-farm inspections until 2019 for all farms, but for the largest operations, implementation of the rule begins this coming January.

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