October 30, 2006

ISSUE 1139

PMA ANNOUNCES FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) announced October 21 that its Board of Directors had approved the outline of a new program to ensure consumers’ continued confidence in the safety of produce.

At its annual meeting, held October 20 at PMA’s Fresh Summit in San Diego, California, the board authorized $1 million in new funds to be allocated over the next 14 months to a four-pronged program designed to reinforce existing and determine new industry standards for food safety that extend “from field to fork.”

The plan will be coordinated with key industry association partners to avoid duplication and ensure a timely response. The activities in the plan will also form the basis of proactive communications with state and federal government regulators.

The multi-faceted program will include a research agenda to enhance growing and processing practices, enhanced education and training for all parts of the supply chain, and a verification component to help industry members evaluate their adherence to benchmark practices. In addition, the plan calls for a consumer communications campaign aimed at rebuilding confidence in produce.

To view PMA's release announcing this program, click here.