Food Safety Modernization Act Checks Coming

Food Safety Modernization Act Checks Coming

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett
Food Safety Modernization Act Checks

With the Produce Safety Rule now in place with the Food Safety Modernization Act, operations with more than 500 thousand dollars in annual sales will be the first farms to be inspected.

these will not be surprise inspections.

Inspectors will contact farmers and make appointments for the inspections.The goal is to have the inspection be collaborative between the farmer and inspector. Only if an operation is unwilling or unresponsive, there could be an unannounced inspection.

Colorado Ag Today's Patrick Cavanaugh says It needs to be done during harvesting and handling conditions.

Being prepared means having all food safety records available and know where all water sources are for instance. Also if there are many observations that need to be corrected , then they could extend the inspection time. And the water information is important, they need to know the source of the water even though the EPA is putting that water inspection off for a couple years, the farmer should be aware of the water.

Questions farmers will be asked include simple one such as What are you growing?", "When are you harvesting?", and "What is the best time in terms of coming out to the operation?"

The Produce Safety rule establishes, for the first time, science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. The rule is part of the agency's ongoing efforts to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.

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