Food Safety Modernization Act - Produce Safety Rule

Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) - Produce Safety Rule, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established science-based minimum standards for safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and sprouts.

Learn more about the Produce Safety Rule through the following resources from Penn State Extension.

Training and Certification Opportunities

Produce Grower Certification Training

Fruit and vegetable growers will learn about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices, and co-management of natural resources and food safety.

Developing a Farm Food Safety Plan

This course is designed to assist growers who are writing a USDA Harmonized GAP food safety plan.

Education from Penn State Extension

Learn about the FSMA Produce Safety and Preventive Controls for Human Food Rules (Video)

In this 28-minute video, you will learn what the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is and whether your farm or food business may be affected by it. Details on the Produce Safety and Preventive Controls for Human Foods rules are also covered. Watch the video >>

Understanding FSMA: The Produce Safety Rule (Article)

This Penn State Extension Produce Safety Rule article provides a discussion of farming activities and types of produce that are covered under the rule, key requirements within the regulation, certain exemptions and modified requirements for which farms may be eligible, and deadlines for complying with the rule. Read the article >>

What is Agricultural Water? (Video)

This video gives details about Agricultural Water under the Produce Safety Rule. Some farms are not subject to the agricultural water requirements and this video will help you determine if your farm needs to comply. Watch the video >>

When is a Microbial Water Quality Profile Needed? (Video)

This video gives details about Microbial Water Quality under the Produce Safety Rule. Find out if your farm is subject to a microbial water quality profile for the water source you use during growing. Watch the video >>

The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Trainer and Lead Trainer (Video)

This video helps Lead Trainer applicants understand the PSA Lead Trainer Review Process that determines if they meet the basic qualifications for becoming a Lead Trainer. Watch the video >>

Additional Resources for the Produce Industry

Find additional details on the Produce Safety Rule from our Industry partners.

FDA Produce Safety Rule Information Site

Visit FDA's Produce Safety Rule website for the full text of the rule, key requirements, available exemptions, variances, compliance dates, and supplementary guidance documents as they become available.

Produce Safety Alliance

The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) is a collaboration between Cornell University, FDA, and USDA to prepare fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements included in the United States Food and Drug Administration's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Visit their website for developments on the Produce Safety Rule and to sign up for their e-newsletter.

The Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety

The Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety (NECAFS) is a collaboration among the 12 states and District of Columbia that make up the Northeast region, which aims to jointly advance understanding and practice of improved food safety among the region's small and medium sized produce growers and processors.