Researchers educating growers about proper water sampling
August 3, 2016
Ronald Bond, a water quality researcher at UC Davis, demonstrates a proper method for obtaining an accurate water sample. (Photo by: TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)
Water quality training seminars for produce growers are underway in many regions of the United States with the leadership of researchers from UC Davis. Workshops are spreading the word about proper methods for obtaining accurate water samples in order to be in compliance with the new food safety regulations in the Produce Safety Rules for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Melissa Partyka, Ronald Bond, and Jennifer Chase, were in Washington State conducting training seminars for irrigation district personnel and packing house food safety compliance officers. The trio from the Atwill Water and Foodborne Zoonotic Disease Laboratory with the WIFSS are collaborating with the Western Center for Food Safety, (WCFS), a Food and Drug Administration Center of Excellence, to conduct research directly related to the FSMA food safety rule for agriculture water, and lead training seminars.
Bond, Chase and Partyka are featured in an article entitled “Simple steps for water sampling” published in the July issue of Good Fruit Grower Magazine. The article which helps demystify sampling for regulatory compliance, was based on interviews held during the agricultural water quality workshops conducted by these three in Washington. The main article is accompanied by two additional guides; one titled “The math of food safety” explaining the math required for agricultural water testing and “Water sampling 101” a simple list of dos and don’ts for water sampling.
The article was written by Shannon Dininny and is accompanied by photos from TJ Mullinax.