Food Safety

Washington State Department of Agriculture Food Safety:

The Food Safety & Consumer Services Division serves consumers and stakeholders in the state of Washington by assuring the availability, safety, and integrity of the state’s human and animal food supply.

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA):

Signed into law in 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) reflects how essential a safe food supply is to the health and well-being of society. Visit the WSU Food & Produce Safety site for more information.

Produce Safety

Ensuring produce safety—from farm to table—is a critical step in reducing the presence of dangerous bacteria in the food supply and preventing foodborne illness.

Browse the WSU Food & Produce Safety website for info on Site Selection, Worker Health & Hygiene, Pre-harvest Agricultural Water, Soil Amendments, Wildlife & Domesticated Animals, Post-harvest water, Cleaning & Sanitation, and more.

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training:

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety are encouraged to take the PSA Grower Training. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’

Visit the WSU Food Safety & Food Processing Trainings page above for up to date info on course offerings.

Food Processing Regulations:

Technically, “food processing” is defined as “handling or processing of any food in any manner of preparation for sale for human consumption” (RCW 69.07). Whether selling direct to consumers at farmers markets, at farm stands, through CSAs or selling to grocery stores, restaurants, or institutions, you must obtain a WSDA Food Processors license from the WSDA Food Safety Program to sell processed foods.

Visit the WSDA Food Processors page for more information on regulations and application process.

Writing a Farm Food Safety Plan

This template is provided by the Land Connection and is to help you develop a farm food safety plan. The information provided will vary in applicability to each produce grower, packer, or handler.

Questions related to consumer food storage, food safety or food preservation? Contact the Master Food Preservers for advice on how to store, prepare or process foods that meet both quality and safety guidelines. Email wsuextension@co.benton.wa.us or phone at 509-735-3551.