From the Georgia Department of Agriculture:
(Atlanta, Ga.) — Georgians involved in the growing, packing, transporting, manufacturing, storing and selling food products can learn more about the federal government’s proposed fresh produce safety rule and preventive controls for human foods rule during a live Listening Session on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Individuals will have the opportunity to ask questions during the session, taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) headquarters in Atlanta, with interactive broadcasts being held simultaneously at the GDA Gainesville North District Office, Macon State Farmers Market and UGA Tifton Campus.
“These rules have undergone many changes in the past year. On Nov. 19, we have the opportunity to come together and discuss what the changes are, and what they mean for the State of Georgia,” said Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black, who will host the meeting. “It is critical for our producers and manufacturers to understand these rules now, before the final comment period closes Dec. 15.”
At the meeting, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will present on each of these two proposed rules, with time for questions from the audience. Michael Taylor, Deputy Commissioner for Foods & Veterinary Medicine will provide remarks, and Rebecca Buckner, FSMA Chief Implementation Manager, will present on the Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule. Samir Assar, Director of Produce Safety, and Joy Johanson, Consumer Safety Officer, will present on the Fresh Produce Safety Rule.
The event is open to the public and those in Georgia’s food industry are encouraged to attend. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged to ensure a spot at preferred locations. Registration for Atlanta, Gainesville, Macon and Tifton is available online at:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=fxchscmab&oeidk=a07ea0bzq01ac9e9faa
Anyone with questions about the Listening Session may contact the GDA Food Safety Division at 404-656-3627.