Produce Safety Rule Questionnaire - Arizona

Produce Safety Rule Questionnaire is a legal document that was released by the Arizona Department of Agriculture - a government authority operating within Arizona.

FAQ

Q: What is the Produce Safety Rule?
A: The Produce Safety Rule is a food safety regulation introduced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). It establishes science-based standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fresh produce.

Q: Who does the Produce Safety Rule apply to in Arizona?
A: The Produce Safety Rule applies to farms in Arizona that grow, harvest, pack, or hold covered produce, which is produce that is commonly consumed raw and is not on the FDA's list of exempted commodities.

Q: What are some examples of covered produce?
A: Examples of covered produce include leafy greens, melons, herbs, sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers, and many more. The FDA has a comprehensive list of covered produce.

Q: What are some requirements of the Produce Safety Rule?
A: Some requirements of the Produce Safety Rule include implementing agricultural water quality standards, ensuring soil amendments are properly treated, maintaining hygiene practices, and implementing measures to prevent the introduction of known or reasonably foreseeable hazards.

Q: Is compliance with the Produce Safety Rule mandatory?
A: Yes, compliance with the Produce Safety Rule is mandatory for farms that meet the criteria for covered produce. The FDA enforces the rule through inspections and compliance assistance.

Q: Are there any exemptions or modified requirements under the Produce Safety Rule?
A: Yes, there are exemptions or modified requirements for certain farms, such as those that have qualified exemptions based on sales value or direct sales to qualified end-users.