On-Farm Readiness Reviews (prerequisite farm walk-through) are happening, which began with leafy and brassica vegetables, other fruits and vegetables, and more. The CDFA Produce Safety Program inspectors are now making their way to tree nuts. [AG(2] The first known walnut farm visit was at the end of March 2022, and more are expected. The On-Farm Readiness Reviews occur before a formally documented, official produce safety inspection (scheduled at a later date).
The CWC will be working on additional supporting resources for growers with the help of CDFA and additional stakeholders.
Based on the CWC attendance of the first walnut-specific On-Farm Readiness Review, below is a list of items to consider. This may not be all inclusive of every single inspection as it varies based on farm, inspector, etc.
- FSMA, PSA training certificate: CDFA wanted to see documented proof.
- Proof of employee(s) trained: CDFA wanted to see documented proof. Food safety specific, even though there is no list of topics to be included, the following topics would be prudent to cover: handwashing; don’t come to work sick; use the porta-pots, not the orchard, for your bathroom needs; report a food safety issue if you see one. (keep records for 2 years)
- Soil amendments: If you use synthetic products, no documentation is needed. If you are using biological soil amendments with animal origin, then a letter of guarantee is needed from the supplier. (reference Subpart F. 112.60 from rule document)
- Water sources: This part of the rule is still being finalized. CDFA was pleased with growers’ written log that used the template from CDFA Produce Safety Rule website.
- Equipment used during harvest: CDFA wanted to see a cleaning and sanitation log for both farm operations equipment and third-party contractors.
- Animals in fields: Details on this were very vague. Essentially, if you see animal waste, pick it up. (reference Subpart I. 112.81, 112.83, 112.84 from rule document)
- Buildings: CDFA asked about pest control. No further action.
- Visitor policy: Make visitors aware of your Food Safety Program. This includes having restrooms available.
- Site inspection: CDFA observed the on-farm wells and bathrooms. Items discussed were: don’t leave open hoses/debris on the ground, look for evidence of leaks, and is there backflow prevention? Restrooms need to be clean, have water, soap, paper towels and a trash can.
- Be prepared for an actual inspection in the coming months following an On-Farm Readiness Review. Confirm potential dates with your CDFA inspector!
References mentioned in 1-10 list can be found in the updated online version of the complete Produce Safety Rule document here:
Below are some additional, updated online resources and guidance documents that further explain the Produce Safety Rule (PSR):
- https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/inspection_procedures.html – Gives an overview of an INSPECTION (not an On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR)) and covers the topics of impact.
- https://www.fda.gov/media/94332/download – Flowchart for covered, uncovered and exempt farms from the PSR.
- https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/sites/producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/files/shared/documents/Records-Required-by-the-FSMA-PSR.pdf – A list of required records and record requirements associated with the PSR, also includes some templates.
- https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/about.html – Overview of PSR.
- https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-final-rule-produce-safety – Official PSR language.
To contact CDFA: CDFA – Contact Us (ca.gov)
