Path C Idaho Implementation of a Produce Safety Program

Project Summary- Idaho PATH C – Implementation of a Produce Safety Program This proposal to Path C identifies the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s (ISDA) strategy for planning and establishment of Idaho’s Produce Safety Program to encourage the safe production of fresh fruits and vegetables and increase knowledge of and compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) (21 CFR Part 112). Idaho successfully passed legislation and adopted rules incorporating the full 21 CFR Part 112 establishing the authority for compliance and enforcement. This project will evaluate Idaho’s unique produce safety landscape, prioritize commodities and farms regulated by the rule, and develop programs to address Idaho’s specific and unique needs for regulatory compliance and training. A comprehensive assessment and strategic plan will be developed for continuous improvement as we move towards the goals of improved produce safety and high rates of compliance with the Produce Safety Rule. Overall, the program is intended to facilitate the development of a produce safety plan which will align growers with the Produce Safety Rule requirements and advance a national integrated food safety system resulting in long-term improvements to public health by lowering the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with produce. The plan will include these high-level goals: • Develop a project plan including goals and milestones to align requirements of the Produce Safety Rule with the state plan. • Conduct a jurisdictional assessment of the produce landscape and thereby determining the size and scope of the future program. • Further assess the resources and statutory authority needed to implement a successful statewide plan. • Assess the ability to successfully conduct a variety of event responses. • Provide ample outreach, education and technical assistance to producers to gain compliance with the Produce Safety Rule. • Continually assess and monitor program efficacy. • Statute https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title22/T22CH54/ • Rules https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/02/020501.pdf