Implementation of A Produce Safety Program

Abstract:The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Safety Division hasexpansive food safety inspection and regulatory programs that cover all fruits and vegetablesgrown for human consumption that are distributed and sold in New York State. It is the policyand goals of New York State to promote, and protect public health through education, research,and regulation of the agriculture industry. By establishing a produce safety program forcompliance to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), New York State is able to verifyadherence to standards for safe growing, harvesting, sorting, packing, holding and distributionof produce which minimizes risks of microbial food safety hazards. With implementation of amulti-year program, FDA funding will enable New York State to investigate and implement aprogram designed for detection of outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with both domesticand imported fresh fruits and vegetables. By developing an industry registry covered by the rule,providing education, regulation, sampling, technical assistance, training and utilizingexperienced on the farm and packing and handling facility New York State inspectors enablesaccurate monitoring of the industry for meeting FSMA requirements.