Implementation of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in Fresh Produce of Vegetables

Food safety is critically important to consumers, producers and handlers because an outbreak of foodborne illness can cause severe health problems even death, and the producers or handlers may face bankruptcy and litigation consequences. To reduce such risks the federal government has finalized Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) including production and handling of fresh produce. The implementation of FSMA in various commodities of vegetable industry requires a comprehensive extension program for specific crops during growth, harvest, transportation, packing, storage and handling of vegetable produce. The program is to train farm managers, on-site food safety coordinators, vegetable harvesters, shippers, packers, and processors to minimize any potential risks including physical, chemical, and biological hazards. The program addresses government guidelines, critical limits, and procedures in monitoring, corrective actions, verification, and documentation regarding various aspects including land history, adjacent land use, water quality, worker hygiene, pest and fertilizer utilization, equipment sanitation, and transportation in order to provide our citizens with safe food supplies.