As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) the New Jersey Department of Agriculture in coordination with Rutgers Cooperative Extension are again offering an OFRR to any operation that has taken the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Training. The PSA training is required for fresh produce operations to comply with FSMA with sales over $25,000. We have been doing OFRRs over the last two years (approximately 100) and want to continue this service during 2021. So, what is the OFRR? It is a walkthrough of the farm operation to assess where it may need for make changes to comply with FSMA prior to an inspection. Generally, two individuals will be on the assessment team one from Extension and one from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. These reviews take approximately 2 hours and is scheduled to fit into the grower’s time. To schedule a review email Charlotte Muetter at charlotte.muetter@ag.nj.gov. She will then contact the farm operation to schedule the review.
On-Farm Food Safety Talks for the Busy Grower
The Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety Team has developed three video presentations. Clip on Three On The Go Webinars For the Busy Grower to view the three videos listed below.
Introduction to Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and USDA Audits. Find out the differences between FSMA inspections and USDA audits. Who do they apply to and who does the inspection or audits?
Building Your One-Way Street: Backflow Prevention and Your Farm. Learn what backflow is, how to evaluate your operations and how to prevent problems with backflow to protect your packed produce.
How to Use Best Practices for On-Farm Recordkeeping. Tried and true strategies for organized record keeping that complies with FSMA and will prepare you for USDA audits.
Covid Update From Secretary of Agriculture
March 5, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Dear Farm Owner/Operator:
On March 1, 2021 Governor Murphy announced that farmworkers will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting March 15, 2021.
We understand that the ag community is anxious to have everyone on their farm vaccinated as soon as possible, especially since some of you already have workers in the field.
Here is how the vaccination program will roll out over the next week:
- The Department of Health (DOH) will send out a vaccine Q&A.
- A brief survey will be included in that email that will help them with supply and delivery planning. Survey questions will include:
- Business location
- Contact person for scheduling vaccinations
- Number of workers to be vaccinated
- Logistic considerations
Once you receive the survey, please fill it out and return it as directed to the DOH.
A Health official will follow up with your contact person to schedule vaccinations either on your farm or at a standing location.
Sincerely,
Douglas H. Fisher
Secretary
Free Food Safety Webinar Series
The Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety Team will be presenting three free webinars in March from 12:00 pm to 1:00pm. These will cover issues related to audits and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – Produce Safety Rule. On March 12 we will have an “Introduction to FSMA and Audits” discussing the difference between them, if a grower needs to comply with either and what is involved. March 19 “Backflow Prevention in the Field and Packinghouse”, types of different devices, how to maintain them and where to place them. March 26 “On-Farm Record Keeping” for FSMA and audits including the type of records required, what needs to be on the records and now long to maintain them. To sign up for these free webinars go to RutgersOnFarmFoodSafety.Eventbrite.com.
Food Safety for Blueberry Growers Virtual Program March 16, 2021
To register for the program, go to rutgersonfarmfoodsafety.eventbrite.com. The closing date to register is Tuesday, March 2nd
10:00-10:30 Microbial Life and Biofilms
10:30-11:00 FSMA PSR Inspection Update
11:05-11:50 Building a One-Way Street: Backflow Prevention
11:50-12:15 Cleaning and Disinfection- What have we learned from Covid-19?
Harmonized Audit Training
With a new Harmonized Audit taking affect May 1 this is your last chance to hear about the changes. The training from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm will cover each question in the Audit and discuss the changes. Closing date for the March 2nd training is Friday, February 26th. Go the RutgersOnFarmFoodSafety.Eventbrite.com to register. After the closing date each participant will receive login information.
