Information

PMA provides "hands-on" knowledge to you on produce safety and technology through work with outside organizations.

Building Blocks of a Food Safety Program

Food safety is one of the chief concerns of all who work in the produce industry.  Nearly all operators have a food safety program and those that do not will almost certainly have to develop one as it is expected that the FDA’s Produce Food Safety Rule will require written food safety programs from producers. With all of the food safety requirements coming from regulatory bodies, buyers, consumers, advocacy groups and others, it may be appropriate to call a time out to reconsider what the basic building blocks of a robust food safety program should be.

What is Epidemiology?

Epidemiology is the cornerstone of public health investigation and discovery. Public health practitioners rely on epidemiologic associations to help determine the source of foodborne disease outbreaks and implement control measures.  Epidemiologic studies frequently provide new insights into emerging foodborne pathogens and food vehicles.  The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology in the context of foodborne disease outbreaks. 

In Part 2 of our piece on epidemiology, a hypothetical epidemiological investigation has been constructed to provide insight into the roles of various public health professionals and their activities during the identification and examination of a food borne illness.  This case is typical of many that the produce industry has witnessed over the last several years and describes the protocols that are followed by health care professionals as the local, county, state and federal levels. 

Food Safety Modernization Act

• The newly-enacted Food Safety Modernization Act has generated many questions from PMA members, including how it will affect non-U.S. produce suppliers shipping to the United States. In this article, two of PMA’s expert staff on this subject team up to provide real-world answers for some of the most pressing questions.
• This informative and comprehensive article outlines the traceability components mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 (FSMA). 

Center for Produce Safety

Research Summary

• The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) held its second annual Research Symposium on June 28, 2011 in Orlando, FL, and featured discussion of sixteen CPS-funded research projects from eight different institutions, and the display of 22 research posters providing updates on CPS-funded research projects. Check out the 12 key learnings from the 2011 symposium.

• A new report released by Produce Marketing Association (PMA) in conjunction with Western Growers Association (Western Growers) provides valuable insight into produce-specific food safety research findings presented at the Center for Produce Safety’s first-ever Research Symposium in June 2010. The report lays out key findings from – and real-world applications of – CPS’s first 11 research projects in practical and comprehensible terms. Or you can watch a video on this report, featuring PMA's Dr. Bob Whitaker:

Supplying Needed Industry Food Safety Research

• In the short time since its inception, the Center for Produce Safety has already delivered impactful research findings with real-world business implications. Want to learn more about CPS?
  This article explains the origins and work of this unique and valuable research entity, which was founded by PMA.

Key Learnings in Real-World Terms

• In June 2010, the Center for Produce Safety held its first-ever Research Symposium, reporting on its first 11 landmark produce-specific food safety research projects. This article lays out in layman’s terms the 15 key learnings that can be drawn from those research projects. The following summary was originally written for CPS by PMA’s Dr. Bob Whitaker, to help all members of the industry understand the significant points of these research projects and their implications for produce food safety.

Produce Traceability Initiative

The Produce Traceability Initiative, sponsored by PMA, Canadian Produce Marketing Association, and United Fresh Produce Association, is designed to help the industry maximize the effectiveness of current traceback procedures, while developing a standardized industry approach to enhance the speed and efficiency of traceability systems for the future. For more details and updates, visit the traceability page here on PMA.com or check out the PTI Web site.

Additional Resources

Here are additional food safety resources for PMA members.

• Fresh-cut Produce Re-Washing Recommendations for Consumers and Retail/Foodservice Operators. In this document, a panel of food safety experts concluded that leafy green salad in sealed bags labeled “washed” or “ready-to-eat” that are produced in a facility inspected by a regulatory authority and operated under cGMPs, does not need additional washing at the time of use unless specifically directed on the label. The panel also advised that additional washing of ready-to-eat green salads is not likely to enhance safety.
• Canadian Produce Marketing Association Food Safety Program Comparison Report. In this report, learn more about fresh produce food safety programs via a review and investigation of other national (country-wide) food safety programs for the on-farm, packing, repacking and wholesale sectors, along with other topics.
• PMA Overview: Pesticide Residues on Produce. Learn more about pesticide residues on fresh produce, as well as a website aimed at countering inaccurate reports on this topic.
• PMA Overview: Good Agricultural Practices. Learn more about GAPs and their role in fresh produce food safety.
• PMA Overview: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Programs. Learn more about HACCP and its role in food safety programs.