Results

• Using Google Docs to create digital records

  Published on June 6, 2016
  The potential for digital record keeping of food safety data is now easier than ever. Here are some basic considerations for creating a digital recordkeeping system in Google Docs.

• Some food hubs are not qualified end users under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule

  Published on October 9, 2017
  Many growers think they are eligible for a qualified exemption under the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule because they sell to a food hub. A recent response from the FDA says this may not be the case.

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  Blueberry pick bucket food safety practices on your farm

  Published on July 29, 2019
  Properly handling and storing blueberry pick buckets is extremely important in order to minimize bacterial growth.

• Having the right grower training for FSMA compliance

  Published on October 13, 2016
  As a fresh produce grower, are you getting the right training to be Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliant? Find out if your training will meet FSMA requirements.

• Food Safety Modernization Act exempt farms still have work to do

  Published on January 19, 2016
  Farms exempt from the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act produce rule still have to keep records to prove exemption and identify yourself at points of sale.

• On-farm food safety documentation: How much is enough?

  Published on May 3, 2017
  Knowing how much documentation is necessary to prove practices were done can be difficult to figure out. Here are considerations when trying to determine how much is enough.

• Annual septic system inspections help ensure a passing food safety audit

  Published on May 11, 2016
  A properly working sewage treatment system on the farm is critical to preventing contamination in the fields adjacent to it and essential in passing a food safety audit.

• First aid kits prevent produce contamination

  Published on June 6, 2016
  First aid kits are necessary on produce farms. When it comes to food safety, have first aid supplies ready.

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  Ask the right questions before choosing a water testing lab for food safety

  Published on March 29, 2016
  When choosing a water testing lab to determine surface water quality to comply with food safety laws, consider asking the lab these key questions before choosing.

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  What is considered a farm under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule?

  Published on June 18, 2018
  The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule defines a farm by its activities of growing, harvesting, packing or holding crops. Let’s explore some of the small but challenging aspects of that very simple definition.

• Revised Food Safety Modernization Act exemptions

  Published on January 19, 2016
  A breakdown of who is required to comply with the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act.

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  Factors to consider when purchasing used produce processing equipment

  Published on January 28, 2020
  On-farm produce safety can be undermined with the wrong postharvest equipment. Consider these food safety concerns when buying equipment and come to an upcoming workshop on hygienic equipment design.

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  Industry-specific produce safety guidelines

  Published on May 1, 2019
  Industry-specific produce safety guidelines, usually more rigorous than basic produce safety standards, only exist for a few crops. Learn which crops have them and how to answer audit questions when your crop doesn’t have them.

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  Water system mapping for food safety

  Published on February 20, 2019
  Though not required by the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, a water system map can be very helpful in an inspection. Here are some key features to include in a water system map.

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  Don’t wait for the water to clear regarding FSMA water testing requirements

  Published on February 1, 2019
  Take the time to learn and align your current practices with those currently finalized in the Food Safety and Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule water section.

• Compost recordkeeping: What do I really need to have?

  Published on February 28, 2018
  Learn which compost records are required for Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance and understand what you need with regards to audits.

• Practical pointers around submitting water samples for food safety

  Published on May 10, 2017
  Water sampling to meet federal on-farm food safety guidelines can be confusing. This article helps eliminate some confusion about taking and submitting a water sample.

• The difference between audits and inspections

  Published on March 16, 2017
  As fresh produce growers learn about the Food Safety Modernization Act, many are confused by the difference between a food safety audit and an on-farm produce safety inspection.

• Finer points of cleaning and sanitizing fruit and vegetable contact surfaces

  Published on April 10, 2018
  The Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule requires cleaning and sanitizing harvest containers. Learn how to clean and sanitize, and when it is required under the Produce Safety Rule.

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  Consider the risks associated with animal intrusion in fields before harvest

  Published on November 4, 2019
  Learn more about the risks associated with the three main types of animal intrusion a grower may find during a preharvest wildlife assessment.