FDA Announces Cooperative Agreement to Implement Produce Safety Rule

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a cooperative agreement with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) that was established to help carry out the produce safety rule as part of the FDA’s ongoing efforts to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

The produce safety rule establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption.

The agreement will provide funding that will allow NASDA to assist produce safety regulatory programs in developing produce safety programs that encourage the safe production of fresh fruits and vegetables, understanding of the Produce Safety Rule, and compliance with the Produce Safety Rule’s requirements.

Under the five-year cooperative agreement, NASDA will work closely with the FDA to implement the produce safety rule by providing program updates, best practices, and feedback on opportunities for enhancements and program adjustments.

Additionally, NASDA will work closely with the FDA to implement and update the On-Farm Readiness Review system and develop a national produce safety regulatory program that promotes a uniform foundation of produce safety.

With NASDA consistently seeking to ensure a safe food supply, the FDA FSMA will allow for prevention of food recalls and trace backs of unsafe foods by educating and inspecting farms within the country regularly.

A list of dates that determine when specific farms are expected to be in compliance with the FSMA produce safety rule can found on the FSMA Compliance Dates page.

mdi Consultants has been involved with many clients on various projects dealing with food safety inspections, food safety compliance, and the FSMA. If you need any assistance with the produce safety rule or other FDA regulations, please contact us for a free consultation.

We will continue to monitor any updates pertaining to the produce safety rule moving forward. If you have any questions about food safety inspections, the FSMA, and the FDA, how this can affect your company, or for any of your regulatory requirements feel free to contact us at info@mdiconsultants.com or use our contact form.