The purpose of this workshop is to develop rules to enhance the safety of fresh tomatoes produced, packed, repacked, distributed and sold in Florida or from Florida and to implement Chapter 2007-67, Laws of Florida, adopted during the 2007 ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
Division of Fruit and Vegetables

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announces a workshop on Rules 5G-6.001, F.A.C., Definitions; 5G-6.003, F.A.C., Inspection; 5G-6.005, F.A.C., Registration; 5G-6.007, F.A.C., Best Management Practices, to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: October 18, 2007, 2:00 p.m.

PLACE: Eyster Auditorium, The Conner Building, 3125 Conner Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The purpose of this workshop is to develop rules to enhance the safety of fresh tomatoes produced, packed, repacked, distributed and sold in Florida or from Florida and to implement Chapter 2007-67, Laws of Florida, adopted during the 2007 Legislative Session. The rules may include an educational component for tomato producers, packers, re-packers and workers. Procedures and processes will be developed to include tomato food safety inspections of tomato farms, tomato greenhouses, in tomato packing and re-packing houses. Discussion will include guidelines entitled Tomato Good Agricultural Practices (T-GAP) which relate to field and greenhouse production and Tomato Best Management Practices (T-BMP) which relate to packinghouse operations and post-harvest handling. Preliminary guidelines have been drafted through a cooperative effort between the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Tomato Industry to implement needed practices and procedures for safe production and handling of tomatoes. These rules will have an effect on those establishments permitted by the FDACS in the State of Florida who produce or handle tomatoes from field production through packing.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Lee M. Cornman, Assistant Director, Division of Food Safety, 3125 Conner Building, Mail Stop C-18, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1650, [phone].

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting Dr. John Fruin at [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

For more information, you may contact: Lee M. Cornman, Assistant Director, Division of Food Safety, 3125 Conner Building, Mail Stop C-18, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1650, [phone].