Be Ready For Food Safety Rules
September 5, 2014 
Rosemary Gordon
The only thing constant is change. That saying rings true as I think about what is going on in my own life. A couple of months ago, I mentioned that my three daughters each graduated this past May: high school, college, and graduate school. As a result of those graduations, it is time for more change. The youngest has gone off to college, the college graduate has taken a job out of state and is moving away, and the oldest has moved back home, now looking for a job. It’s a busy time.
The best way to navigate these changes is to stay one step ahead, paying attention to what will be needed in the near future. For my family, that meant getting college supplies for one daughter and finding a safe place to live — among other things — for the one moving out of town.
For you, staying one step ahead may mean planning for what will be required to be in compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act. Many have expressed concern regarding the costs associated with the proposed rules, but at the same time, you agree if it is in the best interest of food safety, you are on board.
This year’s Grower Achievement Award recipient, Robert Sakata of Sakata Farms in Colorado is in the same boat as many of you. He has some concerns regarding the rules, specifically with what will be necessary to keep his sweet corn overwrap line in compliance.
Unlike growers in California and Florida, where multiple crops can be produced a year, Sakata doesn’t have the opportunity to grow more than one crop a season. The result is his sweet corn overwrap line runs for six weeks a year. That’s it.
To be in compliance with the food safety rules, however, he may be required to remove all wood surfaces, which will come with a hefty price tag.
Sweet corn is a major crop for the Sakatas, so they are investigating their options to attempt to offset the cost. One possibility is to bring in other area growers’ sweet corn and package it on their line so the facility will be open longer than six weeks a year.
The Sakatas are trying to stay one step ahead, as they know the rules are coming. Take the time now to examine your situation and determine what will be necessary to be in compliance.
Change is coming. Be ready.
Subscribe Today For
