The Food Safety Modernization Act, or “FSMA,” is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The goal of FSMA is to prevent foodborne illnesses before they happen. FDA now requires science-based preventive controls across the food system.
Both federal and state partners are working to put FSMA rules in place.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) encourages all farmers, food processors, food transportation businesses, importers, and food safety professionals to learn about the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). FSMA affects produce, processed food for people and animals, food transportation, and imported food.
The seven rules of FSMA cover specific parts of food production, processing, transportation, and import of human and animal food. It also provides strategies to reduce food contamination at all points from the farm to the plate. Three FSMA rules have a connection to programs at ODA, including: the Food Safety Program, the Commercial Feeds Program in Animal Health, and the Produce Safety Program. Currently, the Commercial Feeds Program is only providing educational resources.
- Accredited Third-Party Certification
- Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food (Food Safety Program)
- Foreign Supplier Verification Programs
- Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Animal Food (Animal Health Commercial Feeds Program)
- Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food from Adulteration
- Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food
- Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption (Produce Safety Program)
FSMA became a law in 2011. It is the first major overhaul of the food safety system in 70 years. ODA is in the unique position of advocating for agriculture, helping to develop new markets for Oregon products, while also regulating agricultural practices. In the world of FSMA, ODA is acting as an intermediary between agricultural producers and the FDA.