The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been called the most significant update of U.S. food safety laws since adoption of the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938. While a positive step forward for food safety, the law will impact the entire agricultural industry. It will require staff be available for inspections, business owners focus time on creating food safety plans and preventative measures, and will impact food imports/exports as foreign partners make decisions in regards to registration with the FDA. As imports are adjusted, and countries choose whether or not to participate in the new regulations, there may be resulting ramifications on exports from the United States.

Conversations to have:

Producers and agricultural business owners should be aware of the new requirements, including the research behind the best management practices required by the FSMA, and the impact it could have on their business decisions. Ensure small business owners know of the exceptions that have been made and assist them in understanding whether or not they fit within the exemption classification.

Consumers need to understand how the FSMA has been established to keep Americans safe from harmful contaminants, but that the FSMA may restrict the diversity/amount of food products available to them year round. Changes to food product availability will require dietary changes.

Items of most importance related to the FSMA that should be included in the conversation are:

• Issuing recalls: For the first time the Food Drug Administration (FDA) will have the authority to order a recall of food products. Until this new law, the FDA relied upon food manufacturers and distributors to recall food voluntarily.
• Conducting inspections: Inspections will increase and will be based on risk. Facilities that pose a greater risk to food safety will get the most attention, including riskier food products.
• Importing food: The law increases the FDA’s ability to oversee food imported into the United States. The law also authorizes the FDA to prevent food from entering the country if the foreign facility has refused U.S. inspection.
• Preventing problems: Food facilities must have a written plan that spells out the possible problems that could affect the safety of their products and how they will take steps to prevent those problems from occurring.
• Focusing on science and risk: The law requires science-based standards be used for the safe production and harvesting of fruits and vegetables.
• Respecting the role of small businesses and farms: The law provides flexibility, including exemptions for small farms that sell directly to consumers at a roadside stand or farmer’s market or through a community supported agriculture program.

For more information on the FSMA visit http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm238506.htm

Resources to assist in incorporating FSMA information into your extension programs:

• Producer/Ag Business Owner FSMA Informative Handout
• Producer/Ag Business Owner FMSA Conversation Starters
• Consumer FSMA Informative Handout
• Consumer FSMA Conversation Starters