Sacramento, CA — The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) will update retail and foodservice buyers about government audits and the process for making changes to strengthen food safety practices for growing leafy greens during a webinar Friday, April 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT.
“First and foremost, we want to assure everyone that LGMA government food safety audits are taking place during the current COVID-19 situation,” said Scott Horsfall, CEO of the California LGMA. Horsfall emphasized the California Department of Food and Agricultural (CDFA) considers these audits essential and they are continuing as normal. “The LGMA is working with CDFA to offer solutions that allow for enhanced social distancing during audits but, as always, LGMA member companies will be audited an average of five times this year to verify required food safety practices are being followed on farms.”
The webinar will also feature important information on the process for strengthening LGMA required food safety practices in the aftermath of the latest outbreak associated with romaine.
“A lot is happening that we want to share with the produce buying trade,” said Horsfall. “LGMA Subcommittees are meeting regularly to review all facets of our required food safety practices. The subcommittee dealing with water used in growing leafy greens has completed its review of the current LGMA required practices and is recommending over 30 separate changes to strengthen existing practices.”
The LGMA’s proposed changes to water metrics have been submitted as part of a collaborative process designed to gather input from stakeholders throughout the industry. The process is being facilitated by Western Growers. A new website was launched last week to serve as the hub of this important effort. Representatives from Western Growers will participate in the LGMA webinar to explain how the system to update metrics and how others can get involved.
“Efforts to improve the safety of leafy greens must go on – even in the midst of a pandemic,” said Horsfall. “We know your schedules are hectic and a lot is already on your minds, but we hope you’ll take 60 minutes to learn how the industry is working together to improve safety. More importantly, we hope you’ll engage as part of our leafy greens community.”
To register for the webinar, please visit the link below:
Collaborating for Safer Leafy Greens Webinar || Apr 17, 2020 10:00 AM PDT:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4865354752159968526
