All posts in FSMA Inspections

FSMA Inspection Case Study: CDFA FSMA PSP Inspector
This interview is part of our Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) case study series. In earlier case studies we interviewed other farmers and they talked about food safety practices they complete to minimize their food safety risks and be in

FSMA Water Updates June 2022
Confused about FSMA Water Requirements? In 2011 President Obama signed into law the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The law updated our federal food safety requirements and for the first time created federal food safety requirements for produce farms. This

FSMA Inspection Case Study: New Natives Farm
Key Details: Location: California Central Coast Main Crop(s): Microgreens FSMA PSR Inspection: 1/7/2020 3rd Party Audit(s): USDA Harmonized GAP/GMP Certified Organic by National Organic Program: Yes Owners: Ken and Sandra Kimes New Natives Farm was started in 1980. Today their

PC Rule Supplier Verification Guide
Are you part of a food hub and confused about what Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) food safety requirements you need to require from farmers you source from? Or, are you a farmer that sells to a food hub and

Small Farm FSMA Series Post 4 of 4
SMALL FARM FSMA SERIES – POST 4 of 4 Author: Stepheni Norton, Regional Food Safety Specialist FSMA is serious business, so we have a few disclaimers before we dig in. Advice provided here is general in good farm practice and

Small Farm FSMA Series Post 3 of 4
Author: Stepheni Norton, San Diego Regional Food Safety Specialist FSMA is serious business, so we have a few disclaimers before we dig in. Advice provided here is meant for QUALIFIED EXEMPT FARMS If you need help determining your status, read

Worker Health & Hygiene: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet explains what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do to be in compliance with worker health and hygiene requirements. There is also an overview of what

Wild & Domestic Animals: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do to meet wild and domestic animal requirements. In addition, an overview of wild and

Monitoring Animals: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what a farm that needs to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) needs to do in regards to monitoring for animal contamination. There is also an overview of

Land Use: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do in regards to their land use. An overview of what the National Organic Program

Soil Amendments from Animals: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet explains what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do with their soil amendments of animal origin to be in compliance. The factsheet also provides an overview

Written Plans: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet discusses an overview of what farms need to have for a written food safety plan if their need to be in full compliance with FSMA. There is also an overview of the written plan requirements are for the

Recordkeeping: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet explains the records farms that need to be in full compliance with FSMA must have and compares those vs. what records are required for the national organic program (NOP). Download the PDF here.

FSMA 101 vs. Organic Regulations
This factsheet provides an overview of the three farm categories within the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and relates that food safety regulation to the national organic program (NOP) requirements. Download the pdf here.

New FDA Guidance on FSMA Qualified Exempt Requirements During Covid
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released temporary guidance on the requirements that farms must meet to be considered qualified exempt under the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This is important for small farms to be aware of

Small Farm FSMA Series – Part 2 of 4
Not Covered ≠ No Paperwork By: Stepheni Norton, San Diego Regional Food Safety Specialist Last Updated: March 19th, 2020 Basic record keeping to prove you’re not covered farm status. FSMA is serious business, so we have a few disclaimers before

Small Farm FSMA Series – Part 1 of 4
The 1 Thing Every Farm Must Do By: Stepheni Norton, San Diego Regional Food Safety Specialist Last Updated March 19th, 2020 Regardless of size, every farm must perform a self-assessment to determine their Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) status. So,

FSMA Produce Safety Rule Inspection Updates
Looking to learn more about when and how Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Inspections will happen in California? Read this blog post to learn about the current timeline of California FSMA Inspections on large, small, and very small