Many small and medium producers and processors are affected by the recent implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulation as the existing training does not address how to determine compliance and assumes that small and medium food processors (SMPs) begin training with a base level of food safety knowledge that many SMPs do not have. This work develops accessible, scale-appropriate, motivational mixed-media content to provide SMPs with the information they need to better understand how to implement Preventive Controls (PC) in their food businesses. The goal of this project is to make information regarding Preventive Controls accessible and motivating for small and medium-sized processors. The long-term goal of this work aims to increase the number of processors nationwide that develop and implement FSMA mandated food safety plans, thus serving to reduce the overall risk of foodborne illness.
The Preventive Controls (PC) for Human Food Rule, found within the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), addresses critical food safety needs within the supply chain, but also creates significant regulatory hurdles for small and medium sized processors (SMP). SMPs encounter barriers that inhibit PC compliance, including a lack of knowledge regarding how the implementation of PC will impact their businesses. Lack of access to this information can prevent SMPs from making a fully informed decision regarding voluntary compliance when exempt. For SMPs that are required to comply, or choose to comply, existing training resources are often insufficient in meeting their needs of successfully developing and implementing a FSMA-compliant food safety plan. To address this, we develop, evaluate, and disseminate extension content targeted to SMPs that are not currently complying with PC. This project consists of a 1-hour webinar and a 3-hour workshop.
