On-Farm Food Safety Section

Keep up with the latest news on this dynamic topic that impacts growers on multiple levels. Developing a farm food safety plan is a good idea for all growers, and may be required as part of food safety audits if you sell to certain buyers.

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January 26, 2016

On-Farm Food Safety Trainings – UPDATED!

Winter on-farm food safety trainings are currently being offered throughout the state.   Third party audit, Good Agricultural Practices, and opportunities for writing a farm food safety plan are offered this winter.  Registration is required!2016 training schedule

We are no longer offering the certificate based training for the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Rule, and are waiting on the FDA to release their approved training materials. The FSMA trainings will most likely be held starting in the fall of 2016.  All scheduled on-farm food safety trainings will include an overview of the FSMA so that you can better understand the regulations and its implications for your produce operation.

 

Filed Under: Food Safety
November 24, 2015

FSMA Produce Safety Rule Now Final

CompostThe FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety rule is now final, and the earliest compliance dates for some farms begin one year after the effective date of the final rule (see “Compliance Dates” below). The 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 FDA has created a factsheet highlighting the produce safety rule.

This rule was first proposed in January 2013. In response to input received during the comment period and during numerous public engagements that included public meetings, webinars, listening sessions, and visits to farms across the country, the FDA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking in September 2014. The proposed revisions were designed to make the originally proposed rule more practical, flexible, and effective.

The final rule is a combination of the original proposal and revisions outlined in the supplemental proposal, with additional changes as appropriate. The definition of “farm” and related terms were revised in the final Preventive Controls for Human Food rule, and the same definitions of those terms are used in this rule to establish produce safety standards. Operations whose only activities are within the farm definition are not required to register with FDA as food facilities and thus are not subject to the preventive controls regulations.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops
November 16, 2015

On Farm Food Safety Winter Trainings Announced

Flier

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On-farm food safety trainings will be held this winter throughout the state.  Certificate based third party audit trainings will be offered in Rosenhayn and Chatsworth.   Three additional trainings, located in Atlantic City, Trenton and Pittstown, will offer the required curriculum for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act.  More information on who will need to comply with FSMA to be published soon, as the final rule was just released and we are working to understand its implications for NJ produce growers.

Registration is required for attendance at these trainings!

Filed Under: Blueberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops
October 15, 2015

Food Safety Modernization Act Update:
Farm Definition & Exemptions

FDA FSMAThe Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food final rule was published in the Federal Registry September 17, 2015. This is the first of two which may directly impact fruit and vegetable growers. To review the complete rule go to https://federalregister.gov/2015-21920.

This rule updates good manufacturing practices related to processing and clarifies the farm definition and exemptions. Under the original proposed rule there were several activities on farms in our region that would have had to comply with this rule. However, with the revised definition most activities are exempt or fall under the Produce Rule which will be published at the end of October.

Under the final definition there are two ways to be considered as a farm: as a “Primary Production Farm” or as a “Secondary Activities Farm.”
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Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
August 31, 2015

Audit Ready: Sanitizing Surfaces in Post Harvest

sanitation product contact surfacesSanitizing product contact surfaces is important in reducing cross contamination risks.  “Product contact surfaces” means anything that comes in contact with the product such as equipment, belts, rollers, brushes, tables, bins, sinks, tools, and reusable totes.  Writing a standard operating procedure describing the specific steps of your cleaning process will help ensure that the surfaces are properly cleaned.

Proper cleaning and sanitizing of contact surfaces includes these steps:

  1. Surface is rinsed to remove any visible debris
  2. Appropriate detergent is applied and the surface is scrubbed
  3. The surface is rinsed with water that is potable (drinkable)
  4. Appropriate sanitizer is applied, following the directions
  5. Let the surface air dry

An appropriate sanitizer for use in post harvest surface cleaning is one that has an EPA registration number, states that it is food grade, and gives specific instructions for the products use as a surface cleaner.  Remember the label is the law.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops
August 11, 2015

Audit Ready: Equipment Maintenance Records

tractorThe harmonized audit requires a listing of equipment (2.7.1) that has the potential to come into contact with the crop, and for each piece of equipment a maintenance record.
Just how detailed of a record do they want?

Anytime there is a repair, cleaning, or fluid change there should be a record of this task.  The auditor will look at the equipment for signs that there could be a issue, such as an oil or fluid leak under the equipment.  If they see an issue they will then ask to see the maintenance record for that piece of equipment.  This falls under the “are in good repair and are not a source of contamination of produce” section of standard 2.7.2.  Remember, this is only for equipment that will go out into the field or production area.

Filed Under: Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops