Indiana's Plan to Enhance Produce Safety in Preparation of Implementation of Fda's Rule: Standards For The Growing, Harvesting, Packing, & Holding of Produce For Human Consumption

Project SummaryThe Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is partnering with the Indiana State Departmentof Agriculture and Purdue University to better prepare Indiana for implementation of the U.S.Food and Administration's Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding ofProduce for Human Consumption (Produce Safety Rule) under the Food Safety ModernizationAct (FSMA).The ISDH Food Protection Program initiated a program focus on produce safety in 2013, butrecognizes much work is needed to develop and provide education, outreach, and technicalassistance to produce growers, regulators, and the community as a whole. It is essential to reachout to all growers as they consider future business growth opportunities. This project supportsthe maintenance and continuous improvement of partner collaboration and information sharingto address Indiana produce safety needs. Additional and critical objectives include exploring thecurrent compatibility of Indiana statute and rule and the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, furtherestablishing and maintaining an up-to-date produce farm inventory, and considering and seekingapproval for developing and implementing state level inspection, compliance and enforcementactivities.The mission of the Indiana State Department of Health is to promote and provide essential publichealth services, with a vision of a healthier and safer Indiana. Produce safety is essential toensure a safe food system. This funding opportunity will aid our agency in strengthening theagency's and state's capability to better direct food safety and regulatory activities to reducefoodborne illness hazards.