The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)​

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was passed on January 4, 2011. The Produce Safety Rule (PSR) is one of the rules within this regulation. The PSR focuses on setting the first-ever federal regulatory standards for the production, harvest, and handling of fruits and vegetables in an effort to prevent microbial contamination and reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce.

Produce Safety Standards​

As a key element of its preventive approach, the FDA formalized science-based, minimum Produce Safety Standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce on farms to minimize contamination that could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. These standards form the foundation of the Produce Safety Rule.

The Produce Safety Alliance

A primary resource for information about the Produce Safety Rule relevant training is the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA). The PSA is a collaboration between Cornell University, the FDA and the USDA that aims to prepare fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements included in the Produce Safety Rule. 

Indiana Training Options

Indiana produce growers can receive on-site compliance training as they work to meet Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations. The courses are designed to meet the needs of growers around the state. Small private​ training opportunities are available upon request for groups of three or more. Visit our Training Webpage to learn more about the training we offer.

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Courses​

Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training courses are designed for growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, official Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. These courses represent one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c).

Each training session includes approximately seven hours of instruction time covering content contained in these seven modules:

  • Introduction to Produce Safety
  • Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
  • Soil Amendments
  • Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
  • Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
  • Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
  • How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

The first six modules listed above align with sections outlined in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. The seventh module is focused on helping growers develop a written farm food safety plan. Although the farm food safety plan is not required by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, it is included in the curriculum, because growers expressed a need for a plan. ​

Produce Safety Alliance Train-the-Trainer Courses​

Produce Safety Alliance Train-the-Trainer courses are also available, although they are not conducted through the Purdue Extension of Safe Produce Indiana. These courses are designed for fruit and vegetable growers who are interested in becoming PSA Trainers or PSA Lead Trainers. Those who become a PSA Trainer or PSA Lead Trainer are able to offer the PSA standardized curriculum to train fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

The Association Food And Drug Officials (AFDO) is a regulatory organization that connects food and medical-products safety stakeholders and impacts the regulatory environment by shaping sound, science-based rules, laws, and regulations, and sharing best practices that protect public health. Or, simply put, connect, share, and protect. Visit the AFDO website for additional information from AFDO about produce safety.   

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