The FSMA presents the greatest movement toward food safety reform in the U.S. over the last seven decades. The legislation aims to switch the focus on keeping the country’s food supply contamination-free from responding to incidents, to preventing them.
Because the FSMA stands to greatly impact producers of all types in numerous ways (safety procedures, equipment used, fees put in place, etc.), associations that advocate for sectors of the processing industry are looking to help put their members on the offensive with a range of informational resources.
Lettuce and legislation
Most recently, the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (LGMA) launched a section of its website aimed to help growers and processors of leafy greens navigate various aspects of the FSMA.
Lettuce and legislation
“We know that LGMA members and others from throughout the leafy greens industry have a direct interest in the new FSMA and how it will be implemented,” said Scott Horsfall, CEO of the LGMA. “We developed a resource where people can get information about the pending rules and how they may impact leafy greens farmers.”
Horsfall’s organization was founded six years ago to help members with such legislation, in addition to aiding marketing and operation efforts. He added that thanks to other legislation such as the Produce Safety Rule, members already are in position to meet or exceed most FSMA requirements.
Other resources
The American Frozen Food Institute offers through its website, for a fee, its Online FSMA Self-Assessment Tool. The web-based resource aims to help frozen food producers gauge their current level of compliance with the requirements.
Other groups offer various FSMA information tools. The Produce Management Association has a special section on its website dedicated to FSMA news updates and resources. The United Fresh Produce site offers analysis of the legislation, updates and a place for members to pose questions relating to the measure.