State and Territory Cooperative Agreement to Enhance Produce Safety in Preparation of Implementation of Fda's Rule (u18)

WSDA Produce Safety Project AbstractProject Title: Implementation of FDA's Produce Safety Rule in WashingtonProject Description: The Washington State Department Agriculture (WSDA) intendsto develop a Produce Safety Program that is focused on and in alignment with the FDAProduce Safety Rule. WSDA will assess the needs and opportunities related to thisproposed regulatory program and will develop a multi-year strategic plan to accomplishit. The program will address two key goals: 1. Help Washington farmers comply with the FDA Produce Safety Rule. 2. Consistently and uniformly apply the FDA Produce Safety Rule inWashington.To achieve these goals, WSDA will identify the commodity coverage and resourcesneeded for building a successful program, establish an inventory of covered producefarms, educate/train farmers and regulators on the Produce Safety Rule, assessregulatory authority for produce safety, develop the infrastructure needed andimplement the program. The program will include regulatory surveillance inspectionsand will promote compliance through education. Sharing information and buildingpartnerships will aid the program's success.Expected Outcomes: Development of a Produce Safety Program in Washington Statewill reduce public health risks for consumers of Washington produce across the nationand around the world. By using both education and enforcement to promoteunderstanding of and compliance with the FDA Produce Safety Rule, the program willencourage the safe production of fruits and vegetables, significantly advance a nationalintegrated food safety system (IFSS), and effectively fulfill the requirements of the FoodSafety Modernization Act (FSMA).Budget: $6,549,546 over five years.