Here are some great general guides to overall food safety at the farmers market:
Farmers markets are “growing” in Alaska! These seasonal markets are sponsored by local community organizations and provide the opportunity for certain food producers to sell directly to consumers.
- START HERE: Farmers Markets in Alaska – Alaska Food Safety and Sanitation Program (DEC)
- A Comprehensive Needs Assessment of Food Safety (Pennslyvania Study)
- Food Safety for Farmers Market Vendors (University of Nebraska)
- Build a low-cost hand washing station for food safety on the farm (or at a market!) (University of Minnesota Extension)
Produce Safety
With a focus on food safety, the Office of the State Veterinarian (OSV) is implementing the new federally-mandated Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR). The Alaska Produce Safety Program works closely with UAF’s Cooperative Extension Service to provide educational opportunities, and to ensure that growers and other stakeholders throughout the state continue to meet the federal requirements for safe production, harvest, and handling practices for fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Produce Safety Program – Alaska Office of the State Veterinarian (DEC)
On-Farm Food Handling
- From the Field to the Table Food Handling Guidelines (MarketUmbrella.org)
- Example of a Market Manager Food Safety at Farmers Market Checklist (New York)
- Improving the safety and quality of fresh fruit and vegetables (FDA & University of Maryland)
- Food Safety Begins on the Farm Good Agricultural Practices for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Egg Handling Guidelines:
Egg producers, intermediaries, and consumers in Alaska can all contribute to protecting public health and providing a safe local egg supply to consumers across the state.
- Safe Egg Handling (UAF Cooperative Extension Service)
- Egg Sales in Alaska (DEC)
Prepared and Cottage Food Precautions:
- Cottage Food Guidance – Alaska Food Safety and Sanitation Program (DEC)
- 2021 Alaska Cottage Food Sessions:
- Cottage Food Guidance – Alaska DEC Food Safety & Sanitation Program
- Guide to Operating a Successful of Home-Based Food Business – UAF Cooperative Extension
- Choosing and using a pH meter for Food Products
- Cottage Food Safe Handling (Montana – Alaska codes are different, but the handling information is applicable)
Providing samples at your market is a great way for customers to try out your products. Here are some tips for ensuring you keep your samples safe:
- Guidelines for Providing Safe Food Samples (State of Michigan)
- Safe Food Sampling Guidelines at Farmers Markets (Michigan Farmers Market Association)
Raw Milk Sales in Alaska
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has revised the Milk and Milk Products regulations (18 AAC 32) by adding new language under 18 AAC 32.060(3) that allows for the sale of raw milk and raw milk products and by adding a new section, Raw Milk and Raw Milk Products Production and Sales (18 AAC 32.070). With the revision to the Milk and Milk Products regulations, there will now be 3 different categories of milk production in Alaska.
- Raw Milk Registration – Alaska Office of the State Veterinarian (DEC)
OTHER:
- Temporary Food Service – Alaska Food Safety and Sanitation Program (DEC)
- 2022 AFMA/ ACLT: Mobile Food Vendor Workshop
- Alaska Farmers Markets COVID19 Guidance & Food Safety Training (2020) – great information whether or not you are experiencing a global pandemic
- Food Safety for Farmers Market Shoppers – Michigan Farmers Market Association