The proposed new regulations on produce were discussed, and attendees were reminded that interested parties will have 120 days to send comments and suggestions once the proposed laws are released. Release of the FSMA preventive controls and produce safety rules has been delayed since the act was signed into law in January 2011. Both food industry and food regulatory agency leaders are encouraging stakeholders to work together now to prepare for the new requirements.
The Michigan Food Safety Alliance (FSA) was formed in 1997 after Michigan experienced several major foodborne illness outbreaks. It coincided with a food safety awareness campaign sponsored by Senator Spencer Abraham and the opening of Michigan State University’s National Food Safety and Toxicology Center. Facilitated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), the FSA hosts quarterly roundtable meetings that bring together Michigan’s food safety partners to share information and discuss major public policy issues related to improving and maintaining a safe food supply for Michigan citizens. FSA partners include industry, university and consumer representatives, state and federal agencies, legislators, and commodity organizations.
Speakers from Kellogg’s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) focused on best practices, FDA laws, hygiene, and farming at the Food Safety Alliance Meeting in Battlecreek on July 19th.
