Before You Call a PDA Sanitarian

Regulations + Labeling = Food Safety

Beginning food processors are sometimes discouraged by food regulations. These regulations should be viewed as a helpful source of information.

Most processors report that they have few problems with regulators or even have a beneficial relationship. After all, safe food handling is crucial to effective marketing and maintaining a trustworthy reputation.

Food safety issues are complex and they differ among regions and states. In Pennsylvania, your local municipal authority has final say on what can occur. If it is O.K. with your township, the regional PDA office interprets the regulations on a case by case basis. Individual interpretation can vary.

Registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture of all food processing enterprises is required in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Here are suggested steps to follow when developing ideas about a food business:

You receive a better response from the Food Safety Inspection Officers if these steps are completed before you try to arrange a meeting with PDA.

Some points that will come up in talks with your regional PDA personnel:

Processors who do not take comments from regulators personally and instead develop a relationship with regulators can find a tremendous source of information and support in the experienced personnel at PDA.

Penn State Cooperative Extension should be contacted if you have any questions.

John Berry, Agricultural Marketing Agent
Penn State Cooperative Extension

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