food safety

Worker training crucial to food handling safety and is the first-line of defense

Training workers to properly handle covered crops (fruits and vegetables typically consumed raw) is a crucial initial step in ensuring compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act, from the field to the postharvest processing facility. ... more »

FSMA 204 compliance may be coming faster than producers, suppliers anticipate

A new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule requiring additional traceability records for certain foods goes into effect in January 2026, but the deadline for compliance may become a reality even sooner. The FDA’s... more »

UF IFAS offers fruit growers food safety education

The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is offering remote and in-person food safety trainings. Below is a listing of educational opportunities that UF IFAS has scheduled. In-person Produce Safety Alliance grower... more »

Map the flow: FSMA requirements impact on postharvest handling and sanitation

All food contact surfaces of equipment and tools used with covered produce — defined by the Produce Safety Rule as food and vegetables typically consumed raw — must be inspected, maintained and cleaned as reasonably... more »

Food safety focus of new statewide Florida Extension agent

New statewide Florida Extension agent Stephanie Brown is assisting growers with their food safety practices. Growing up in rural Douglas, Georgia, a town of 11,000 people, Brown actively participated in Future Farmers of America. She... more »

WeighPack Systems introduces bulk weigh filling machine

Precision weigh-filling and packaging machinery manufacturer WeighPack Systems Inc. has launched a new bulk weigh filling machine. The new bulk weigh filling machine system integrates an in-line metal detector between the filling process and weigh... more »

Washington Winegrowers Association to hold food safety webinar

The Washington Winegrowers Association is scheduling a food safety webinar. The Winery Sanitation & Food Safety Webinar is scheduled for June 27. The web seminar is designed to train viticulturists and winemakers on best practices... more »

IFPA offers sneak peek at Washington conference

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is gearing up for its annual Washington Conference, set to take place in the first week of June. The event promises to be focused on advocacy, networking and industry... more »

Center for Produce Safety research symposium presenters announced

The names of scientists who will be presenting at the Center for Produce Safety's 2024 CPS Research Symposium have been announced. The event is scheduled for June 18th-19th at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center... more »

Bill aims to increase Specialty Crop Block Grant funding

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Laphonza Butler (D-California) have introduced a bill to increase the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program authorization by $15 million. The Specialty Crops Security Act increases the authorization for... more »