The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) aims to shift food safety regulations from a reactive system that responds to a food-borne outbreak to a proactive one that prevents it.

Enacted on Jan. 4, 2011, FSMA authorizes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take a preventative approach to food safety. The law incorporates new enforcement actions to achieve higher compliance rates with preventative safety standards. FSMA also gives the FDA the tools to hold imported foods to the same standards as domestic foods. As part of FSMA, the FDA Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption (21 C.F.R. Part 112)--also commonly referred to as the Produce Safety Rule--establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), in collaboration with the FDA through a cooperative agreement and Texas House Bill 3227, which took effect September 1, 2017, during the 85th Legislature, identifies TDA’s Office of Produce Safety (TOPS) as the authoritative implementing agency of the Produce Safety Rule. TOPS’ primary role is to promote understanding and compliance with the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule.

To receive information and updates on the Produce Safety Rule, complete the Farm Information Survey and/or email ProduceSafety@TexasAgriculture.gov.