Vegetable growers to get updates on food safety regulations

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Extension in July will offer two programs to update vegetable growers on federal regulations involving postharvest food safety and show how they can reduce the risk of contamination.

 "Food safety in produce has become a major issue due to standards set by the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Rule and recent outbreaks of foodborne illness linked to fresh produce," said Scott Monroe, Extension Food safety educator. "In addition to informing growers on recently implemented regulatory standards, we will give them practical information that will enable them to reduce the risk of contamination by foodborne pathogens on their farms."

The workshop will be offered July 6 at the Oaktown Produce Depot, 13990 Old U.S. 41, Oaktown, and July 12 at the Nelson Hall of Food Science on Purdue University's West Lafayette campus. The program will be 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (EDT) at both sites.

The program will offer an update on the Food and Drug Administration's produce rule as well as updates by both the Indiana Department of Health and Indiana Department of Agriculture.

The workshop will include sessions on postharvest good agricultural practices, use of postharvest sanitizers, good manufacturing practices, and food safety in the retail environment.

There is no cost to attend. Participants can register online at http://bit.ly/2016PostharvestWorkshop.           

Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu 

Sources: Scott Monroe, 812-886-0198, jsmonroe@purdue.edu

Amanda Deering, 765-494-05112, adeering@purdue.edu

Haley Oliver, 765-496-3913, hfoliver@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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