Agricultural producers and other interested parties are invited to learn more about two of the final Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules being implemented by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The state departments of agriculture in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho will host a public meeting to discuss the final rules for Produce Safety and Preventative Controls for Human Food. The meeting is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, 8235 NE Airport Way, in Portland. The public meeting will kick off with opening remarks from FDA Deputy Commissioner Michael Taylor followed by overview presentations on the Produce Safety Final Rule in the morning and the Preventive Controls for Human Food Final Rule in the afternoon. Each presentation will conclude with a question and answer session. In summary, the Produce Safety Rule establishes science-based standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding produce on domestic and foreign farms. The Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule requires that food facilities subject to the rule have safety plans that set forth how they will identify and minimize hazards. While implementation of the rules will be phased in over time, the Oregon Department of Agriculture urges producers and others to become familiar with new requirements so that operational changes can be made, if necessary, in order to comply with the rules. The December public meeting offers a great opportunity to learn more and have questions answered. The Food Safety Modernization Act was passed in 2011 to provide a preventative approach to ensure a safe food supply. Rules have been adopted following a comprehensive public process that involved soliciting comments on proposed rules. Admission to the public meeting is free and no registration is necessary.
