Path C Continued Development of the NHDAMF Produce Safety Program Under Path C for Implementation of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule

NH PATH C PAR-21-174 Project Summary/Abstract Project Title: Continued Development of the NHDAMF Produce Safety Program under Path C for the Implementation of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food (DAMF) began development of its’ Produce Safety Program (PSP) in July 2018. The DAMF PSP Mission is to ensure: the safe production of quality produce; assure producer competitiveness in the marketplace; and establish a unified partnership with FDA to achieve an integrated food safety system. Updated State law and rules have been developed, and legislatively approved, giving DAMF authority to implement and enforce an inspection program, which verifies relevant stakeholders’ compliance to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (PSR). Agency laws and rules are publically available for produce growers covered under the PSR. Subject to sufficient federal funding, DAMF has legal authority to enforce the Food Safety Modernization Act, Public Law 111-353, codified at 21 U.S.C. section 301 et seq., for standards of growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption, 21 C.F.R. Part 112, as incorporated by reference including any subsequent amendments thereto. (See links to State Law and Rules below) Currently, DAMF has not conducted any sprout inspections under Subpart M of the PSR. The Produce Safety Program (PSP) includes qualified inspection staff, possessing knowledge, and skills to address state and federal FSMA regulations as defined by FSMA inspection protocols, tools and other relevant practices. DAMF’s PSP program provides educational and technical assistance to produce farmers covered under the rule, and robust training of regulators. FDA’s current CAP funding opportunity PAR-21-17, if awarded, would allow DAMF to continue developing the program manual with procedures, policies and SOPs, that effectively establish a well-defined and strong produce safety inspection program. RSA 426-A Produce Safety: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XL-426-A.htm AGR 3900 Produce Safety Farm Inspections: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/agr3900.html 1