DOVER, Del. – Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the deadline for produce growers to register their farms with the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) has been extended to June 30.

The Food Product Inspection Section has enforcement responsibility for the Produce Safety Rule of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).The rule focuses on regulatory standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fruits and vegetables, in an effort to prevent microbial contamination and reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce.

In order to determine if a farm is subject to the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, DDA requires all farms within Delaware that grow produce to register. Registration materials are available online at https://de.gov/producesafety. Once DDA receives registrations, staff will reach out to producers to verify that the facilities are covered by the Produce Safety Rule or considered exempt.

Additional information on the Produce Safety Rule, including educational videos, outreach resources, and recordkeeping templates are available online at https://de.gov/producesafety. For more assistance with registration, email DE.ProduceSafety@delaware.gov.

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