Produce Safety Program

The FDA Produce Safety Rule is a component of FSMA and focuses on science-based, minimum standards for the safe production and harvesting of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. The Rule has six components that cover the growing, harvesting, packing and holding of produce. The components include:

1. Worker Health, Hygiene and Training
2. Soil Amendments
3. Wildlife, Domesticated Animals and Land Use
4. Agricultural Water
5. Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
6. Records

Agricultural Water Assessment
In May of 2024, the FDA published revised requirements for water used to grow certain crops. This meant the original requirements for a specified number of water tests and specific quality results were replaced with a systems-based agricultural water assessment. This approach identifies potential hazards and mitigation steps based on risk management. Water testing can be a part of the assessment but is no longer the sole basis for determining if a source is of adequate quality. Free water testing is available by contacting the MDA Produce Safety Program.

The easiest way to begin the process of selling produce in compliance with the Produce Safety Rule is by completing the Missouri Produce Farm Survey. This brief survey helps the Produce Safety Program determine if the business is exempt, qualified exempt, process exempt, or covered by the Produce Safety Rule. This information also allows the Produce Safety Program to better assist growers by providing local trainings, notification of updates to the Rule, and offering On-Farm Readiness Reviews.

The Produce Safety Program works in cooperation with University of Missouri Extension to offer produce safety training both online and in-person. Sometimes there is a minimal fee, but training is often free for Missouri residents. Growers covered by the Produce Safety Rule are required to participate in a recognized Produce Safety Alliance training.

Growers may request a free, confidential On-Farm Readiness Review. During the voluntary review, trained staff from MU Extension and/or the Produce Safety Program perform a standardized assessment of the farm, so growers can see how their practices align with the requirements of the Rule. Reviews are most beneficial for producers who:

• Have completed the Produce Safety Alliance grower training
• Have Completed the Missouri Produce Farm Survey
• Are covered by the Produce Safety Rule

If you have questions or would like to schedule an On-Farm Readiness Review, contact the Produce Safety Program.

What is an inspection?
Routine inspections are completed by MDA Produce Safety Program inspectors under the authority of the FDA. Inspections are announced and must be conducted during the harvest of at least one crop since they cover the growing, harvesting, packing and holding of produce. They involve both a review of records and the facilities. They cover the six components of the Produce Safety Rule:

1. Worker Health, Hygiene and Training
2. Soil Amendments
3. Wildlife, Domesticated Animals and Land Use
4. Agricultural Water
5. Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
6. Records

Do I need an inspection?
Not all farms are subject to the Rule and some exemptions apply to farms that otherwise would be subject to the Rule. Growers should complete the Missouri Produce Farm Survey or contact the Produce Safety Program for help in determining whether their farm qualifies for an exemption.

How are inspections different than audits?
While USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits and FDA’s Produce Safety Rule inspections have many similarities, the systems are not the same. GAP certification, though it may be required by a buyer, is a voluntary system. The Produce Safety Rule is a federal law that applies to all farms that meet the coverage requirements of the Rule. Unlike GAP audits, the inspections and On-Farm Readiness Reviews conducted by the Produce Safety Program are done at no cost to the grower. Since the MDA Grain Inspection Services Program coordinates GAP audits in Missouri, businesses that are interested in GAP certification should visit their Specialty Crop Audit Services webpage for more information.

• Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule
• FDA Agricultural Water Assessment Builder
• University of Missouri Extension Produce Safety
• University of Missouri Extension Horticulturalist Map
• Missouri Retail and Manufactured Food Regulations
• Produce Safety Alliance
• Financial Assistance
• USDA High Tunnel Initiative
• Register a New Business
• Business Tax Requirements