Produce Safety Rule Update

You are subscribed to Produce Safety/FSMA Updates for Michigan Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Hello, Michigan Produce Farmers!

This is the first email to everyone that signed up for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Produce Safety Team listserv.  This listserv was developed to help Michigan farmers understand the Produce Safety Rule (PSR), and keep up to date on inspections, changes and updates to the rule, and educational opportunities. 

 

COVID-19 Information

**According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, there is currently no evidence of COVID-19 being transmitted by food or food packaging material, including fresh produce. For information on food safety and COVID-19, please refer to the FDA’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions at: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19.

 Additional information can be found on Michigan’s Coronavirus response at www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Additional resources for industry partners and consumers can be found at https://www.unitedfresh.org/coronavirus-fresh-produce-industry-resources/.

 

What is the Produce Safety Rule?

The PSR is one of seven rules within the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) aimed at ensuring the safety of the US food supply by shifting focus from response to contamination to prevention of contamination. This is the most sweeping reform of our nation's food safety laws in more than 70 years. FSMA was enacted in response to dramatic changes in the global food system and the understanding of foodborne illness and its consequences, including the realization that preventable foodborne illness is both a significant public health problem and a threat to the economic well-being of the food system.

The PSR focuses on setting the first-ever federal regulatory standards for the production, harvest, and handling of fruits and vegetables in an effort to prevent microbial contamination and reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce.

 

Is my farm covered under the PSR?

If you grow, harvest, pack or hold produce typically eaten raw, and gross over $25,000 annually, this regulation may apply to you.

There are some exclusions and exemptions that may apply to your farm.  You can find information regarding further assistance at the end of this email. 

 

What areas of my farm does the PSR cover?

• Worker health, hygiene, and training
• Agricultural water, both for production and post-harvest uses
• Biological soil amendments (e.g., compost, manure)
• Domesticated and wild animals
• Equipment, tools, buildings, and sanitation

 

Is an inspection the same as an audit?

No!  An inspection is very different from an audit. 

Where can I get further assistance?

We have three main agencies that are working together to assist Michigan produce farms.  While we work as a team, we have separate roles. 

Conservation Districts:

You can get free, confidential, on-farm technical assistance and education from your local Conservation District Produce Safety Technician.  The link below is a map with name and contact information of a Technician in your area.  If the map does not show coverage in your county, please contact a Technician closest to you, they can provide assistance outside of their normal coverage areas. 

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdard/Conservation_District_Food_Safety_Technician_Coverage_Map_626467_7.pdf

MSU Extension:

MSU Extension provides professional trainings, seminars, and education regarding the PSR.

Online information and education can be found on the MSU Extension website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/agrifood_safety/

MDARD:

MDARD conducts inspections and provides guidance to produce farms regarding the PSR.  MDARD also works collaboratively with local Conservation Districts and MSUE to support Michigan’s produce farms.

For additional information or any questions, please contact Kristin Esch, Produce Safety Specialist, MDARD, at 517-930-6592 or eschk@Michigan.gov.

 

Farm Survey:

MDARD has a farm survey where you can provide information regarding your farm. You’re probably wondering why you would want to do this. The more information MDARD has about your farm, there is an increased chance you will be lower on the priority list to get an inspection. Any blank entries will result in increasing your priority. Inspections are typically announced. However, if MDARD does not have contact information for the farm, a farm manager or food safety manager, we will not be able to contact you to schedule an inspection, which could lead to an inspector showing up without warning.  Please take five minutes of your time to complete the survey below. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FSMA_Implementation

 

What’s Next?

Listserv communications will be sent out at least quarterly but more often as needed. As we roll out information about the PSR and inspections, you will most likely see an email monthly. Upcoming articles will include the following information:

1. What to expect before and during an inspection
2. Updates to the water rule
3. How to provide information if I believe I’m qualified exempt

 

For additional information or any questions, please contact Kristin Esch, Produce Safety Specialist, MDARD, at 517-930-6592 or eschk@Michigan.gov.