Development and Implementation of A Produce Safety Program That Incorporates The Fda's Produce Safety Rule.

Project SummaryOhio's Produce Safety ProgramThe Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will develop a plan to implement a Produce SafetyProgram. The program will promote compliance with the requirements of FDA's produce safetyrule. The Produce Safety Program will be part of a nationally integrated Food Safety System.The overarching goal is to minimize the risk of serious adverse health consequences or deathfrom consumption of contaminated produce.Objectives/Aims:ODA will assess the produce industry in Ohio using county level informational meetings alongwith working with various agricultural groups such as the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio StateUniversity extension service and other regulatory groups. The information gathered will be usedto develop a farm inventory. The farm inventory will be captured in a database which will be ableto transfer information to the FDA and other regulatory agencies.ODA will determine the infrastructure needs for implementing a produce safety program. Thiswill include staffing needs, training needs (both industry and regulators) and a program toprovide technical assistance.ODA will develop and implement an inspection program that will include, on farm readinessreviews, on farm inspections, compliance and enforcement.