The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) implemented the state’s updated Food Law on October 1, 2012. “The department’s highest priority is ensuring the safety of food sold and distributed in Michigan. Putting food inspections online provides greater transparency for consumers and retailers,” said Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD director. “Food safety impacts the daily lives of consumers, growers, processers, and those who prepare and sell food. National Food Safety Month provides us the opportunity to raise awareness around food safety and the prevention of foodborne illness.”
In addition to implementing the updated Food Law, MDARD has created an online system, MiSafe, to give consumers access to retail food establishment inspection results, including any violations found during an inspection. Violations are items that, if not addressed, may lead to foodborne illness, food contamination, or an environmental health hazard. Routine inspections are typically conducted at a six-, 12- or 18-month frequency, depending on the type and complexity of the food handling at the establishment. MiSafe will include inspection reports from September 2011 forward and can be accessed at www.michigan.gov/foodsafety.
Michigan’s updated Food Law adopts a modified 2009 FDA Model Food Code, portions of the 2009 FDA Model Shellfish Code, and various federal food processing codes and egg safety documents to provide national consistency for the food industry and assure Michigan’s food safety laws are based on the best current science. The Food Law is monitored and enforced by MDARD in partnership with Michigan’s 45 local health departments.
For more information about the updated Food Law or MiSafe, contact MDARD’s Food and Dairy Division at (800) 292-3939 or mda-fooddairyinfo@michigan.gov. To obtain a copy of the updated Food Law or access the MiSafe online system, visit www.michigan.gov/foodsafety.
