WV Farm Bureau Magazine November 2013 | Page 19

Food & Farm Coalition Seeks to Help Producers Affected by the Food Safety Modernization Act The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA, pronounced “fis-ma”) was signed into law in 2011 and gives the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new and expansive authority to regulate most aspects of food production with the stated goal of reducing foodborne illness. The West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition is working to help identify what types of farms and businesses will be impacted by FSMA and help those affected understand the new rules. We also encourage farmers, eaters, and business owners to submit comments to the FDA regarding how FSMA will affect them, and how the rules might be better written to encourage a safe and sustainable local food system. The comment period is open until