|
|||||
 |
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Food Safety
New Jersey farmers are known for producing the highest quality produce and using the safest handling practices. Consumers expect their produce to be safe to eat and consumer confidence is important to the state's produce industry. Our Jersey Fresh farmers must meet the high-quality standards of the Jersey Fresh grading program. It is more than an advertising logo. It is a comprehensive program of assuring the highest quality product is coming from our local growers.
- Produce Safety Task Force
- Third-Party Food Safety Audits
- Community Farmers Markets Food Safety
- Consumer Information
- Press Releases
- Contacts
- Produce Safety Task Force
A task force was formed with industry, academic and agricultural group representation to determine how New Jersey’s produce industry can ensure food safety, with special emphasis on how such regulations can make small, family farms effective on food safety issues.
Click here for more information.
- Third-Party Food Safety Audits
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture, along with the United States Department of Agriculture, offers a voluntary farm auditing program that verifies that produce has been harvested, packed and shipped in a safe and sanitary manner.
View the NJDA's Third Party Audit page.
Good Agricultural Practices and Third Party Audits
USDA Fresh Product Grading and Quality Certification
- Community Farmers Markets Food Safety
New Jersey’s fast-growing array of community farmer’s markets are a great place to buy Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables. Many also now offer prepared foods as well. To comply with New Jersey health regulations under Chapter 24, such foods must be prepared in licensed, inspected kitchens and meet other requirements, which vary depending on the type of food being offered. To help vendors comply with these rules, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Senior Services collaborated on “Chapter 24 and You: A Practical Guide to Selling Safely at Farmer’s Markets.” Please use the guide to ensure the prepared foods you offer at farmer’s markets are safe and in compliance with the law.
Chapter 24 and You: A Practical Guide to Selling Safely at Farmers Markets
- Consumer Information
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a health diet. There are steps consumers can take to ensure the produce they eat is safe and healthy.
Safe Handling of Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Fruit and Vegetable Juices
USDA Seasonal Food Safety Fact Sheets
Government Food Safety Information - Consumer Advice
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service - Food Safety Education
Fight Bac - Keep Food Safe From Bacteria
Food Spoilage Chart
- Press Releases
May 7, 2010
N.J. AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TO CONSUMERS: FRESH N.J. ROMAINE LETTUCE IS SAFE
June 10, 2008
NEW JERSEY ADDED TO LIST OF STATES WITH SAFE TOMATOES
August 28, 2007
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT FOR FOOD SAFETY
December 19, 2006
TASK FORCE FORMED TO ADDRESS PRODUCE SAFETY ISSUES
September 23, 2006
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE: FDA DECLARATION THAT NEW JERSEY SPINACH SAFE GOOD NEWS FOR GROWERS, CONSUMERS
- Contacts
Al Murray
Assistant Secretary of Agriculture
Al.murray@ag.state.nj.us
(609) 292- 5536
Larry Hardwick
Commodity Inspection and Grading
Larry.hardwick@ag.state.nj.us
(856) 453-3870
Wes Kline
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County
wkline@rce.rutgers.edu
(856) 451-2800
Richard Ritota
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Food and Drug Safety Program
Richard.Ritota@doh.state.nj.us
609-588-7606
This page was developed in cooperation with Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
