1. General Produce Safety
What is produce safety, and why is it important?
Produce safety involves practices that ensure fresh fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption by preventing contamination with harmful microorganisms.
Who is required to follow the Produce Safety Rule?
Farms with annual produce sales exceeding $25,000 (adjusted for inflation) and growing covered produce must comply with the rule.
What are "covered produce" and "covered activities"?
Covered produce includes fruits and vegetables typically consumed raw, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and apples. Covered activities include growing, harvesting, packing, and holding these produce items.
2. Worker Health and Hygiene
What hygiene practices should farm workers follow?
Workers should wash their hands before handling produce, after using the restroom, and after eating or smoking. They should also avoid working when ill.
How do I train my workers on produce safety?
Training should include information on handwashing, proper tool use, and the importance of preventing contamination. It must also be documented.
What should I do if a worker is sick?
Exclude ill workers from handling produce and assign them non-produce-related tasks until they are symptom-free.
3. Agricultural Water
What is agricultural water, and why is it a concern?
Agricultural water is water used during growing, harvesting, and postharvest activities. Contaminated water can introduce harmful microorganisms to produce.
How often should I test my water?
Surface water should be tested annually or as the Produce Safety Rule requires. The frequency may vary based on the water source and usage.
What are acceptable water treatment methods?
Water can be treated with chemical sanitizers (e.g., chlorine) or UV light to reduce microbial risks.
4. Soil Amendments
What are biological soil amendments, and are they safe?
Biological soil amendments include manure and compost. When treated and applied correctly, composted manure is safer than raw manure.
How should I handle raw manure?
For crops that have direct contact with soil, apply raw manure at least 120 days before harvest. For other crops, apply at least 90 days before harvest.
How can I ensure compost is safe to use?
Monitor compost temperature and turning frequency during the composting process to ensure pathogens are reduced.
5. Harvest Practices
What tools and equipment should I use during harvest?
Use clean and sanitized tools, bins, and containers. Avoid using damaged or difficult-to-clean equipment.
How can I prevent contamination during harvest?
Harvest in clean, dry conditions when possible. Avoid placing produce directly on the ground or in contact with dirty surfaces.
What should I do with damaged or contaminated produce?
Remove damaged or visibly contaminated produce from the field, and do not pack it with marketable produce.
6. Postharvest Handling
What is the importance of postharvest water?
Postharvest water is used for washing and cooling produce. If contaminated, it can spread harmful microorganisms to clean produce.
How do I ensure the safety of postharvest water?
Regularly monitor and treat water to maintain appropriate sanitizer levels, pH, and temperature.
What are good storage practices for harvested produce?
Store produce in clean, dry, and temperature-controlled conditions to prevent contamination and spoilage.
7. Recordkeeping and Compliance
What records do I need to keep for produce safety?
Maintain records of water tests, worker training sessions, soil amendment applications, and equipment cleaning schedules.
How long should I keep produce safety records?
Records should be kept for at least two years and should be readily available for inspection.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with the Produce Safety Rule?
Non-compliance can result in warnings, fines, or restrictions on the sale of produce.
8. Miscellaneous
What should I do if I suspect contamination on my farm?
Immediately stop using the suspected source, investigate the cause, and take corrective actions such as cleaning and sanitizing affected areas.
Can I use untreated surface water for irrigation?
Yes, but you must follow testing and treatment protocols to ensure it does not pose a contamination risk.
Do small farms need to comply with produce safety regulations?
Farms with annual produce sales below $25,000 are exempt but should still follow best practices to protect public health.
How do I prepare for a produce safety inspection?
Ensure records are up-to-date, review your practices, and conduct mock inspections to identify potential issues.
