Path B NDA's Continued Implementation of FDA's Produce Safety Rule in Nebraska

NDA’s Continued Implementation of FDA’s Produce Safety Rule in Nebraska-Path B PAR-21-174 Summary/Abstract The Nebraska Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program (NDA PSP) will be pursuing Path B for this grant application to build upon the established produce safety program in Nebraska. This is the path that the program is currently on and plans to remain so. There are no plans to implement the PSR into Nebraska state law; the NDA PSP will continue to operate under FDA authority. The NDA PSP plans to conduct Sprout Inspections under Subpart M beginning in Year 3. No NDA PSP staff has yet to be trained but there are plans to change that. The Program Objectives are: 1. Expand NDA Produce Safety Program built during the initial 5-year grant 2. Provide Outreach and Education to Nebraska growers 3. Develop, train, and maintain NDA PSP staff 4. Attend consortiums, conferences, and webinars annually as a team 5. Utilize electronic inspection software for inspections 6. Maintain, update, and build the electronic inventory program 7. Inspect high priority covered farms every 3 years and low priority covered farms every 5 years. 8. Offer and provide On Farm Readiness Reviews prior to all inspections Expected Outcomes: The program will continue their work to maintain and expand upon the electronic inventory, perform inspections of covered farms every 3-5 years based on priority, and will offer OFRRs annually. The program will capture regulatory inspection information utilizing electronic inspection software developed during the original five- year grant. NDA’s PSP will continue to act as a helpful resource to growers who are navigating the PSR through workshops, OFRRs, PSA trainings, and a variety of other outreach activities aimed at meeting the needs of Nebraska growers. Program staff will remain fully trained and attend relevant events supporting professional growth and development within the program. Along with experience and FDA’s guidance, training and events will positively impact the team’s ability to maintain effective relationships with growers through outreach, education, and inspection.