In this issue:

Remote PSA Grower Training Fall Schedule

FDA Updates on Produce Safety
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Remote PSA Grower Training Schedule: Fall 2020


Each training will be split into two days and will take place from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm both days. Each training will be conducted live through Zoom.
Who should attend:
Anyone who grows, harvests, packs and handles fresh fruits and vegetables. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Sign up soon to reserve your spot.
Why you should attend:
On-farm food safety practices are vital in the produce industry. Many farms are now required to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. This training will educate growers on the Produce Safety Rule. Upon completion of this training, participants receive a certificate satisfying the requirement 112.22(c) in the Produce Safety Rule.
What is required to receive a certificate:
You must attend both days of the training. Additionally, you must have the following:
  • Internet access
  • Zoom Video Conferencing software*
  • Web camera
  • Microphone
When is the registration deadline:
Registration closes at 11:59 pm on the following days:
  • September training closes on September 16th.
  • October training closes on October 14th
  • November training closes on November 2nd
  • December training closes on November 24th
Training materials will be mailed to your residence. Registration closes seven days before the training to accommodate ordering materials and mailing them to you.
*Once you receive the registration link, you will be prompted to download the free Zoom software. You do not have to create an account to participate.

**Participant attendance and engagement will be monitored. Participants are only eligible for a PSA/AFDO Certificate of Course Completion if they are present for all modules of the course**
FDA Produce Safety Updates
New: Irrigation Water Treatment Registration Protocol

The FDA and EPA developed a protocol for the development and registration of antimicrobial treatments for preharvest agricultural water. This means that companies can now use data developed under the protocol to "support the EPA registration of products that can treat agricultural water against food-borne bacteria, which could provide farmers with a useful tool to help protect the safety of produce intended for consumers."
FDA Requests Information on Expansion of the Rarely Consumed Raw List for Uncommonly Consumed Produce

The FDA is requesting information on produce that has been known to have no or low consumption to determine if these commodities need to be added to the rarely consumed raw (RCR) list. Commodities on the RCR list are not subject to the requirements of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. "Those with data, information, and/or comments regarding U.S. consumption patterns of those commodities with no or low reported consumption" are invited to submit information to the agency through the RFI docket.
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