NWA releases commodity-specific food-safety program
NWA releases commodity-specific food-safety program
The National Watermelon Association Inc., with collaboration from academia, government, industry, retail, foodservice and other trade associations, unveiled the first edition of a comprehensive food-safety program that is specific to the growing, handling, packing, distribution and traceability of the watermelon crop in North America and Central America.
"Watermelons are considered to be one of the high-risk crops, largely due to our crop's inclusion in the melon category by the Food & Drug Administration," Bob Morrissey, executive director of the association, said in a Nov. 19 press release. "Although no outbreaks have been attributed back to our farms or packing facilities, we are included in the melon category due to the common growing and handling practices that we share with other melons, such as cantaloupes and specialty melons. Our board of directors determined two years ago that we should pursue a proactive path toward food safety regardless of any lack of issues related to our growing or handling practices. The result is one of the most comprehensive programs available to any crop today."
The program is based on the principles of Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices, otherwise known as Best Management Practices. Programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cornell University's National GAPs program, Rutgers University's Third Party Audit program, the United/PMA Melon Guidance (1995) and the Florida Tomato Committee's food-safety program provided input, insights and support into the development of the watermelon program.
"Support from numerous food-safety experts and key resources was the major key to our success, and our appreciation cannot be properly expressed," Mr. Morrissey added in the press release. "This was truly a team effort, and our appreciation to all involved is a testament to the importance of food safety in our society."
The first edition, available through the association's web site, www.nationalwatermelonassociation.com, is currently under review by a peer review committee of over 80 people and companies representing all facets of the farm-to-fork continuum. The second edition will be presented at the association's national convention in mid-February, to be held in Charleston, SC.
"Once the initial peer review is completed, the second edition will be produced," Mr. Morrissey said in the press release. "The NWA will then begin a significant educational outreach to the industry to promote the use of the voluntary program, support farmers and packers in their efforts, and continue to help our industry to provide a safe, healthy watermelon crop to consumers throughout North America, Central America and Europe.
"Watermelons are considered to be one of the high-risk crops, largely due to our crop's inclusion in the melon category by the Food & Drug Administration," Bob Morrissey, executive director of the association, said in a Nov. 19 press release. "Although no outbreaks have been attributed back to our farms or packing facilities, we are included in the melon category due to the common growing and handling practices that we share with other melons, such as cantaloupes and specialty melons. Our board of directors determined two years ago that we should pursue a proactive path toward food safety regardless of any lack of issues related to our growing or handling practices. The result is one of the most comprehensive programs available to any crop today."
The program is based on the principles of Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices, otherwise known as Best Management Practices. Programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cornell University's National GAPs program, Rutgers University's Third Party Audit program, the United/PMA Melon Guidance (1995) and the Florida Tomato Committee's food-safety program provided input, insights and support into the development of the watermelon program.
"Support from numerous food-safety experts and key resources was the major key to our success, and our appreciation cannot be properly expressed," Mr. Morrissey added in the press release. "This was truly a team effort, and our appreciation to all involved is a testament to the importance of food safety in our society."
The first edition, available through the association's web site, www.nationalwatermelonassociation.com, is currently under review by a peer review committee of over 80 people and companies representing all facets of the farm-to-fork continuum. The second edition will be presented at the association's national convention in mid-February, to be held in Charleston, SC.
"Once the initial peer review is completed, the second edition will be produced," Mr. Morrissey said in the press release. "The NWA will then begin a significant educational outreach to the industry to promote the use of the voluntary program, support farmers and packers in their efforts, and continue to help our industry to provide a safe, healthy watermelon crop to consumers throughout North America, Central America and Europe.
