Food Safety

FDA Update—March 2013
Comment Period for Draft Risk Assessment Extended
The Food and Drug Administration is reopening the comment period for a document entitled "Draft Qualitative Risk Assessment of Risk of Activity/Food Combinations for Activities (Outside the Farm Definition) Conducted in a Facility Co-Located on a Farm."

FDA received three requests for extension of the comment period to allow interested persons additional time to comment. As a result, the comment period for the draft Risk Assessment will be re-opened until May 16, 2013, which conforms to the comment periods of the proposed preventive controls rule and the proposed produce safety rule.

You can submit electronic comments regarding this document or written comments to:

Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

Michigan Food Hub Network
See below for links to the March 14 webinars:
Part I: Introduction and overview of the Food Safety Modernization Act and the current FDA proposed rules

Part II:
A) Michigan SAFE Food Risk Assessment Tool
B) Helping very small Michigan farmers comply with food safety standards
C) Potential for Group Gap to be piloted in Michigan

Good Agricultural Practices
GAP Good Handling Practices Audit Verification Checklist | USDA 
If you are a farmer looking to get USDA GAP Certified, make sure to look through this checklist and be able to pass all tests with at least an 80%.

GAP Good Handling Practices Audit Verification Checklist User’s Guide | USDA
Use this guide to prepare yourself for a successful audit.

Michigan’s Safe Food Risk Assessment | Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 
If you are a farmer looking to assure safe food to your customers without a USDA GAP Certification, use this assessment voluntary and confidential food safety program for small, direct-market producers.

Good Agricultural Practices | Great Lakes Expo
GAP is a series of on-farm practices designed to minimize the risk of food contamination, help maintain a clear record of how food was produced, handled, and stored, and ensure consumers that the product is coming from a clean, well-managed environment. Although GAP certification is not required, it is meaningful to buyers of organic food.

GAPs On Your Farm | Phil Tocco, Michigan State University
Guidelines about writing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) manuals. These manuals contain detailed accounts about how GAP procedures are implemented to maintain food safety, from the field until the produce is shipped from the farm.

GAP Audits: What do Auditors Look For? | 2009 Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo

Make Sure All Workers Get the Same GAPs Orientation | Phil Tocco, Michigan State University

Food Safety Modernization Act
Food and Drug Administration FSMA FAQs

NSAC Food Safety Modernization Act Resources

Resources
Michigan Organic Food and Farming Alliance (MOFFA)
An organization of farmers, organic food activities, and educator, and a member-organization sponsors the annual Michigan Organic Conference and a quarterly newsletter. Offers a booklet on finding local and organic foods in Michigan, along with a monthly “MOFFA Organic Happenings” to help you keep informed of upcoming events related to organic food.

On Farm Food Safety Project
FamilyFarmed.org provides technical assistance to small and mid-scale farmers selling into wholesale markets. As part of this effort, we have created this website to support fruit and vegetable growers in developing a customized, on-farm food safety plan, the basic building block of a comprehensive, on-farm food safety program.

Organic Labeling Videos
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture just released the first of a series of six videos, to help consumers cut through the confusion of organic labeling. Meg Moynihan, the MDA organic specialist, wanders through store aisles, picking up products, exploring and explaining the details of organic labeling.

New Agriculture Network
Includes an e-newsletter with seasonal advice for field crop and vegetable growers interested in organic agriculture.

2008 USDA Organic Production Survey
This survey counted 14,540 organic farms and ranches in the US, comprised of 4.1 million acres of land.

Local and Organic Foods in Michigan
Michael W. Hamm, Michigan State University| Provides a context for decision making about alternatives and options.

Organic Supply vs. Demand | Scott Faber, The Bay Journal
Discusses conventional and organic demands and what is currently happening in those markets.

Perceived Health Risks of Organic vs. Conventional Foods
Williams and Hammitt, Risk Analysis | Study conducted on consumer perceptions.

Buying Local: Approved Food Sources for Food Establishments
Information on providing safe, locally produced products such as produce, meat, and eggs to food establishments. Food establishments include restaurants, schools, grocery and convenience stores, and institutions.