The FDA And NASDA Partner To Ensure Smooth Roll Out Of Produce Safety Rule
By Laurel Maloy, contributing writer, Food Online
Governmental and State agencies rarely see eye to eye. This new, cooperative environment is a winning recipe for the future of produce safety
The Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule has long been under scrutiny and discussion. Produce safety is a hot topic as much of our nation’s produce is processed by what are considered to be small operations. As news of the requirements for FSMA’s Produce Safety Rule spread, producers wonder what the impact will be, both monetarily and operationally. Some will be exempt due to size, but those expected to have to comply have been vocal, and not necessarily positively so. Elizabeth Bihn, director of the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA), expects even the smallest producers to step up. Even though a producer may be exempt by FSMA standards, they are not exempt from the marketplace. Just the hint of unsafe practices leading to a foodborne illness outbreak could spell financial and personal disaster.
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The FDA has worked hard to coordinate its efforts and to be open to listening to the concerns of those entities that will be impacted by FSMA’s new Produce Safety Rule. A substantial period of time was allowed for initial public comment, and then a 90-day extension granted in order to allow for expanded feedback. The FDA even hosted a free teleconference in conjunction with Cornell University in July, this event touted as a means by which producers of all sizes could come together to learn.
On Sept 16, the FDA announced a new partnership with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). NASDA is a non-profit, non-partisan association representing a host of elected and appointed agricultural professionals in each of the 50 states and in four U.S. territories. The FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, Michael R. Taylor, recognizes the expertise and unique knowledge held by produce farmers and processors on the state and local level. Each crop presents specific challenges; who better to speak to the issues unique to a particular type of fruit or vegetable? NASDA will also partner with the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) and the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI), as well as other relevant public partners. It hopes to develop the best possible national plan for all concerned, including the consumer.
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Chuck Ross, Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, has served as President of NASDA for the past year. He describes the progress made towards a partnership between state and federal agricultural agencies as “incredible.” He further states that NASDA will help in the development of a nationwide safety plan for produce in a way that makes sense to the producers and processors. Dr. Barbara Glenn, NASDA CEO, explains, “NASDA is committed to the sound and comprehensive execution of this cooperative agreement.”