The Produce Safety Project (PSP) supports the development by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a mandatory and enforceable produce safety standard for the growing, harvesting and packing of fresh fruits and vegetables. Among other activities, PSP sponsored six stakeholder discussions around the country with the goal of providing a platform for stakeholders, with particular emphasis on growers, to discuss their expertise in promoting produce safety through their current practices and offer input for consideration by FDA as it prepares to propose a produce safety rule.
The Produce Safety Project (PSP) – based at Georgetown University and funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts - is a research and advocacy organization that supports the development by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a mandatory and enforceable produce safety standard for the growing, harvesting and packing of fresh fruits and vegetables. Among other activities, PSP sponsored six stakeholder discussions around the country with the goal of providing a platform for stakeholders, with particular emphasis on growers, to discuss their expertise in promoting produce safety through their current practices and offer input for consideration by FDA as it prepares to propose a produce safety rule. In addition, the Stakeholders’ Discussion Series provided an opportunity for fruit and vegetable growers and other interested stakeholders (extension educators, food retailers, consultants, produce trade association personnel and others) to hear the science
associated with four areas identified as important to produce safety: 1) Irrigation and Foliar Contact Water Quality, 2) Wildlife and Environmental Concerns; 3) Composting Issues; and 4) Worker Health and Hygiene.
These four areas are noted as potential vectors for pathogens and causing food-borne illness outbreaks. Four papers were commissioned by PSP to present current information on these issues. These papers, and ideas contained in them, were briefly reviewed and presented during each of the sessions, and served as jumping off points for more detailed discussions organized in smaller group break out sessions.
The six locations for the Stakeholders’ Discussion Series were:
Each of the Stakeholders’ Discussion Series sessions has a summary, capturing overviews of the presentations, the main points emerging from the breakout sessions, and some of the observations, questions, and issues highlighted towards the end of the sessions.
Dowload the PDF of the full report for final summaries of the PSP discussions.
The Pew Charitable Trusts commends Representative Tom Latham (R-IA) for his leadership in securing approximately $27 million for food safety in the House appropriations bill funding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. The new money would help the FDA protect millions of Americans from the dangers of foodborne illnesses and strengthen consumer confidence in the food supply.
More infoA multistate outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections linked to ground turkey in 2011 sickened 136 people, causing 37 hospitalizations and one death. The Pew Charitable Trusts' analysis of the outbreak found numerous inadequacies in the foodborne illness surveillance system that, if addressed, could help to prevent illnesses and, in some cases, deaths.
More infoNo matter how careful you are, foodborne bacteria can find a way into your child’s lunch and make him or her sick. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever. Children are often among the most vulnerable, and in some cases, illnesses can lead to hospitalization, long-term health complications and even death.
More infoThis interactive graphic represents the ten most widespread multistate foodborne illness outbreaks linked to FDA-regulated products since FSMA was enacted, which constitute a small portion of total foodborne illnesses reported during that period.
More infoIn recent months, the White House has stalled on a host of pending rules, including implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
More infoCopyright(c) 1996-2012 The Pew Charitable Trusts. All Rights Reserved.
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