Onion industry introduces updated food safety best practices document

 The National Onion Association and the International Fresh Produce Association have released the second edition of "Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for the Dry Bulb Onion Supply Chain."

The document was produced after a year of collaboration with dry bulb onion industry members, researchers and government officials, according to a news release.

“This document represents the best in our industry — the best science, the best practices and the best intentions to instill confidence in all who eat onions that the U.S. dry bulb onion industry is committed to providing a safe, sustainable product,” Greg Yielding, executive vice president and chief executive of the National Onion Association, said in the release. The U.S. dry bulb onion industry established a food safety framework and guidance document in 2010, and the release said the updated document considers new scientific findings and the evolution in onion production and handling practices.

In July 2021, the IFPA, in collaboration with NOA, began a working group that continued to meet in-person and remotely over the course of eight months to provide clarity and context within the greater goals of public health for fresh produce, according to the release. 

“Incorporating specific details to onion production and updating scientific literature will help support not only U.S. onion growers and packers in building and maintaining their food safety programs, but also will educate other individuals working within the onion supply chain including regulators, auditors, and produce buyers who may not be as familiar with onion production and handling practices,” Gretchen Wall, director of food safety and quality at IFPA, said in the release. “Although the document was developed by the U.S. dry bulb onion industry, the fundamentals are broadly applicable, and the document can be adapted for production in other growing regions.” 

On July 7, 2020, Wall shared the final draft of the updated document with NOA members at the annual convention in Boise, Idaho. IFPA will continue to assist the onion industry with next steps, according to the release.

“The first edition published in December 2010 was insightful and the updated document reflects a collaborative effort from all facets of the industry to best represent onion production and ensure that growers have access to the education necessary to minimize risks during growing, packing, and shipping,” Kay Riley, former NOA president, member of the working group for both editions, and retired onion grower at Snake River Produce located in Nyssa, Ore., said in the release.

Throughout October, from 2-3 PM EST, NOA and IFPA, along with extension professionals engaged in food safety research for onion production and handling, will host an online seminar to share highlights of the new best practices document and next steps in food safety education, outreach, and research needs for the dry bulb onion industry. The online seminar is free to attend and open to the public. Register for the online seminar here.

 
For more information or to access the Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for the Dry Bulb Onion Supply Chain visit the IFPA or NOA websites.