FDA earmarks $19 million to help states implement FSMA
FDA has set aside $19 million to help state agencies support implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Specifically, these funds will be used to support implementation of the Produce Safety rule, which became final in November 2015 and establishes enforceable safety standards for the production and harvesting of produce on farms.
Implementation of the produce rule is dependent on partnerships between FDA and the states, both to deliver education and technical assistance and to provide on-going inspection, compliance, and oversight. To support that partnership, FDA announced the availability of a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to solicit applications for cooperative agreements with state regulatory agencies to help plan for and develop the infrastructure needed to implement the Produce Safety Rule. This collaboration with states is crucial to successful FSMA implementation because it will help ensure the quality, coordination, consistency, and effectiveness of state and federal efforts to protect the food supply.