Although the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) water testing rules are on hold, the other provisions in the Produce Safety Rule are going into effect. The Rule establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. The first compliance dates for the Produce Safety Rule requirements begin in January 2018 for farms that produce Raw Agricultural Commodities (e.g., onions, carrots, melons, blueberries) and have more than $500,000 in annual produce sales.
To determine if your farm is covered by the Produce Safety Rule and your target compliance dates, complete this self-guided decision tool provided by the University of Idaho (https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8D1ucSlEeq749AF)
FSMA Training:
The Produce Safety Rule requires that one representative from each covered farm receive training accredited by the FDA. Currently, Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) trainings are the only standardized national training program approved by FDA.
A Grower Training Class will be offered in Hermiston, OR on November 14:
November 14; 8 AM to 5 PM: Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road, Hermiston, OR 97838.
Register: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/osuextension?key=F3T9-25VWY_K9KH-5PTF_e69240be.
You may also register and mail a check for $25, payable to OSU with FSMA on the memo line, to Malheur County Extension, 710 SW 5th Ave., Ontario, OR 97914 Seating is limited to 50 people.
For more information contact: Sue Davis, ODA, sdavis@oda.state.or.us 503-807-5864 or Stuart Reitz, OSU Malheur County Extension, stuart.reitz@oregonstate.edu. 541-881-1417.
Registration for the Hermiston Training is $25. Lunch, refreshments, course materials and certificates are included with registration.
PSA Grower Training Course will cover:
- Introduction to Produce Safety
- Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
- Soil Amendments
- Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
- Agricultural Water
- Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
- How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan
In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.
Oregon FSMA information: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/agriculture/Pages/FSMA.aspx
Washington FSMA information: https://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/ProduceSafety/
Produce Safety Alliance information, including comprehensive list of training classes:
https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/food-safety-modernization-act
FDA Information: https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/default.htm
