VDACS Handbook for Small Food Businesses

THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

HANDBOOK FOR SMALL FOOD MANUFACTURERS

This Handbook For Small Food Manufacturers was funded by the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) grant provided by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The standards are a critical component in establishing the national Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS). The goal of the MFRPS is to implement a nationally integrated, risk-based food safety system focused on protecting public health.

In support of this goal, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) would like to thank the following institutions and individuals for their contributions to this handbook: United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Virginia Department of Health (VDH); Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Virginia State University; Virginia Cooperative Extension Food Innovations Program; Carolyn Peterson of Peterson Dairy Consulting, L.L.C. and Dr. Natalie Robertson of 360 Virtual Assistance.

Welcome Introduction Division of Animal and Food Industry Services (AFIS)

Food Safety Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Labeling Processing Authorities

Dairy Services Meat and Poultry Produce Safety Division of Consumer Protection

Plant Industry Services - Agricultural Commodities Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

Weights and Measures Plant Protection Program: Beekeeping Division of Marketing and Development Agriculture and Forestry Development (AFD) Virginia's Finest Virginia Grown Organic Farmers' Markets Eggs Virginia Department of Health (Shellfish, Grade "A" Milk and Drinking Water Virginia ABC (Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries

Dear Food Processor:

Welcome to the Handbook for Small Food Manufacturers from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This handbook has been designed with you, the small food processor, in mind. We have produced this guide in cooperation with our partners at other state and federal agencies to provide one-stop shopping for the important information and resources that you need to ensure that your small food business protects consumers' health and complies with Virginia's food safety regulations. Our goal is to ensure that you have all the information you need to produce a safe, wholesome and unadulterated product. I encourage you to use this handbook as your personal guide for every step and process of your food operation.

Charles Green, Acting Commissioner Charles Green, Acting Commissioner

An Important Message About Food Safety

Charles Broaddus, Director of AFIS

At VDACS, food safety is a priority. Food safety means knowing how to avoid the spread of pathogens when you're buying, preparing and storing food. VDACS provides several resources and food safety tips to help you practice food safety and to prevent foodborne illness, including , Food Recalls, the Partnership for Food Safety Education and Food Security. Additionally, the new VDACS Handbook for Small Food Manufacturers is a user-friendly reference to help you practice food safety in compliance with Virginia's regulations. I encourage you to read your handbook thoroughly so that you remain in compliance with the law, so that your business practices food safety and so that you protect consumers' health.

Dr. Charles Broaddus, Director of the Divsion of Animal and Food Industry Services (AFIS)

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