The purpose of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is to shift food safety regulations from a system that focuses on responding to contamination to one that focuses on preventing them.

FSMA was a law enacted on Jan. 4, 2011, that authorizes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take a preventative approach to food safety. The law does so by incorporating new enforcement actions that are designed to achieve higher rates of compliance with preventative safety standards. FSMA also gives the FDA the tools it needs to hold imported foods to the same standards as domestic foods. As part of FSMA, the Produce Safety rule establishes, for the first time, science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is partnering with FDA through a cooperative agreement to advance efforts for a nationally integrated food safety system. This will occur through the planning, establishment and/or enhancement of State and Territory Produce Safety Programs that encourage safe production of fresh fruits and vegetables. TDA is also working to promote the understanding and compliance with the requirements of FDA’s “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption” (commonly referred to as the Produce Safety Rule). 

To receive information and updates on the Produce Safety Rule, complete the Farm Information Survey and/or email ProduceSafety@TexasAgriculture.gov