Food safe agriculture revolves around the growing of food using sustainable agricultural practices to ensure the public is safe from possible food borne pathogens. Outbreaks of Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria has prompted the Federal government to pass food safety standards for the production and processing industries.
Food safe agriculture is a set of standards that farmers and food processors must follow to protect the public from bacteria. These practices include using sustainable farming methods, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, and implementing proper sanitation and hygiene practices during food production. In addition, food safe agriculture involves proper storage and transportation of food to prevent contamination and spoilage.
Without the various food safety acts passed by governments around the world, bacterial outbreaks would be more common, and some suggest, epidemic.
In the field, plants are irrigated using flood or drip irrigation systems to grow a variety of vegetables. Field plants are also regularly dressed using liquid fertilizer which like a compost tea , is made from dissolved animal waste. The waste (manure) is typically fresh, which means it contains living organisms including all forms of bacteria.
Liquid manure is applied several times throughout the season, which means as plants grow, vegetable leaf and fruit come into contact with the fertilizer and by doing so, bacteria is passed directly onto the plant. Even after the heat of processing, bacteria can live frozen until it is thawed, cooked, and consumed by the consumer.
Following food safe agricultural practices promotes sustainable farming practices, which help conserve and protect our natural resources, like soil and water. Sustainable agriculture builds biodiversity and makes out natural environment more resistant to the effects of climate change.
There are several government food agriculture legislations that promote food safe agriculture practices.
Food Safety Modernization Act: FSMA was signed into law in 2011 and aims to improve the safety of food all along the food supply chain. The FSMA requires food producers to implement preventive controls to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and contamination.
Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA): OFPA sets nationwide benchmarks for the creation and management of organic food items. Organic agricultural methods, which abstain from utilizing damaging pesticides and chemicals, are recognized as an integral component of safe food production.
Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA): OFPA sets nationwide benchmarks for the creation and management of organic food items. Organic agricultural methods, which abstain from utilizing damaging pesticides and chemicals, are recognized as an integral component of safe food production.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs): GAP is a set of guidelines developed by the USDA to help farmers reduce the risk of contamination during all steps involving food production. The guidelines cover areas such as worker hygiene, water quality, and soil management.
Food safe agriculture is critical for ensuring the safety and quality of our food supply. Sustainable farming practices can help to protect our environment and natural resources while also promoting biodiversity. Government food agriculture legislation plays a crucial role in promoting food safe agriculture practices and ensuring that our food supply is safe and healthy.
