December 22, 2016
Purdue Extension training helps growers meet Produce Safety Rule requirements
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Extension will provide training sessions statewide to help fruit and vegetable growers meet the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule included in the Food Safety Modernization Act.
FSMA’s Produce Safety Rule establishes minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption.
Though the compliance deadline is looming for large-scale producers, this rule will eventually impact most growers.
Amanda Deering, trainer and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Food Science encouraged all growers to attend the training to make sure their fresh fruits and vegetables were safe for consumers.
“Purdue Extension uses the only training curriculum recognized by the FDA and covers best practices applicable to growers of all sizes,” said Deering.
Each daylong training session covers seven modules:
* Introduction to produce safety.
* Worker health, hygiene and training.
* Soil amendments.
* Wildlife, domesticated animals and land use.
* Agricultural water.
* Postharvest handling and sanitation.
* Developing a farm food safety plan.
The first training session will be offered at the 2017 Indiana Horticultural Congress & Trade Show, Jan. 10-12 at the Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 E. 21st St.
Cost is $75, which includes the cost of training, certification ($35) and lunch.
Upon completion of training, growers will complete the documentation required to receive certification from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), which will be sent by mail.
Future training sessions include:
* Jan. 18: Harrison County
* Feb.6: Lake County
* Feb. 10: LaGrange County
* Mar. 2: Indiana Small Farms Conference
* Mar. 22: Wayne County
For updated information on future training sessions, visit SafeProduceIN.com.
Writer: Cheri Frederick, 765-494-2406, cfrederick@purdue.edu
Source: Amanda Deering, 765-494-0512, adeering@purdue.edu
Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Darrin Pack, dpack@purdue.edu
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