Produce Safety

According to the 2012 USDA census, RI has 1243 farms. However, only about 25% or approximately 300 grow produce for human consumption. According to the census 238 RI farms grow vegetables, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes and 136 farms grow fruit, tree nuts and berries. While this number may not be exact, it is important to reference only those farms growing produce for human food when talking about the Produce Safety Rule.

A product like maple syrup would need a label indicating facility, ingredient(s) and net weight - requirements of NLEA and the state. Any food safety requirements for maple syrup fall under the Preventive Controls Rule for Human Food (CFR 117). If there are any questions regarding maple syrup, contact Diane Hirsh, University of Connecticut at diane.hirsch@UConn.edu.

No. Farmers are not required to keep records regarding animals in field or even the assessments made by farmers concerning potential animal feces. The law requires that if a farmer sees animal intrusion in the fields of high risk produce (e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce) that the farmer assess the area to make sure that the animal(s) have not left contamination behind. If they have, the law does require that action be taken not to harvest that particular area.

There are no fines associated with deficiencies that an inspection may find on the farm as long as the problems are fixed. Issues associated with an imminent public health hazard must be dealt with quickly and all other violations of the rule must be corrected in a timely manner. The only time fines are implemented by FDA is if there is negligence.

The cost to Rhode Island farmers is only $45.00. This includes the cost of lunch for both days, the curriculum, and a certificate of completion.