WSDA Helping with New FSMA Regulations

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is working with farmers, food processors and others on understanding the new Food Safety Modernization Act guidelines.

Program Manager Claudia Coles says growers, in many cases, are already doing some of what is required.

“Much of it is very similar to what the voluntary good agricultural practices have been, but it’s one step up.”

Coles says they have gotten some funding for workshops to work with processors and packers who will see the phasing in of regulations starting in September.

Coles said, “If we educate people then they’re going to meet the regulation. Then if people meet the regulation, you’re not regulating people hopefully minimizing recall actions and more importantly minimizing and reducing food-borne illnesses and other types of contamination.”

Coles says they are compiling a lot of resources including videos, best practices, and more into an electronic listing for any business to understand what they need to know for food safety.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (590) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.