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Food Safety

Food safety rules

Is it safe?

Each year, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food. Use these resources to be a responsible grower and an informed consumer.

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Irrigation system spraying water on field of crops

Technical assistance for produce growers

MU Extension offers trainings (including online options jointly with Kansas State University), free water testing and GAPS cost share funding to MO produce growers to help them expand their markets and sell safer produce.

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Blessing box or little food pantry

Food safety in blessing boxes

MU Extension State Food Safety Specialist, Londa Nwadike, provides food safety and nutrition guidelines for items donated to outdoor blessing boxes or little free pantries.

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Water droplet

Water testing decision tree

Use this decision tree to determine what kind of water testing is needed and where/how to get it done.

Water testing (PDF)

GAPs cost share funds available to MO produce growers

  • For a limited time, MU Extension has GAPs cost share funding available for Missouri produce growers, which will pay for up to half the cost of USDA, Quality Fresh, Primus, GlobalGAP or other GAP certification, up to a total of $800/farm/year.
  • Can be used for GAPs audits occurring between November 1, 2019 and August 30, 2024.
  • MU Extension can also provide technical assistance to farmers in preparing for the GAPs audit.

Learn more (PDF)

The goals of this program include educating consumers on safe food handling in food preparation and food preservation, and educating farmers and farmers market vendors on food safety and regulatory compliance. Many topics are highlighted on this site to help you learn how to safely handle food from the farm to your table. The University of Missouri Extension provides food safety resources and training on a variety of topics, including the following:

  • Produce safety for produce growers
  • Food labeling and regulations for Missouri food producers and processors
  • Selling and sampling foods safely for both producers and consumers
  • Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
  • Good manufacturing processes
  • Home food preservation
  • Food safety for pregnant women

Publications

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Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2023, No. 5 (September/October)

Publication date: Sept. 1, 2023

Vinegar with 5% Acidity: It MattersVinegar is a key flavor component in home-preserved pickles, salsa and other acidified foods and is critical for food safety too. Research tested recipes specify vinegar with 5% acidity. For example, a family ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2023, No. 4 (July/August)

Publication date: July 1, 2023

Can I use my ceramic cooktop stove when canning?A common question asked during canning season is, “Can I use my glass or ceramic cooktop when canning?” To answer this question, begin by contacting your cooktop manufacturer to find out what they ...

Food Safety Tips for Consumers: Kitchen Cleaning

Publication date: July 1, 2023

Cheryl BarnesKansas State UniversityLonda NwadikeConsumer Food Safety SpecialistKansas State University and University of Missouri ExtensionIt’s important to keep your kitchen clean, because germs can easily lurk on the surfaces you touch ...

Vacuum and Reduced Oxygen Packaging

Publication date: July 1, 2023

Londa NwadikeConsumer Food Safety SpecialistKansas State University and University of Missouri ExtensionReduced oxygen packaging (ROP) of meats and food may offer some benefits to retail food establishments. However, it is important to understand the ...

Food Safety Tips for Consumers: Meal Delivery Services

Publication date: July 1, 2023

Cheryl BarnesKansas State UniversityLonda NwadikeConsumer Food Safety SpecialistKansas State University and University of Missouri ExtensionIt’s important to keep food safety in mind when receiving meal deliveries or getting groceries delivered. ...

Food Safety Tips for Consumers: GMOs

Publication date: July 1, 2023

Cheryl BarnesKansas State UniversityLonda NwadikeConsumer Food Safety SpecialistKansas State University and University of Missouri ExtensionGenetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are foods developed using genetic engineering. This brief fact sheet ...

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