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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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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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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 USDA GAPs cost share funding available for Missouri produce growers, which will pay for up to half the cost of USDA GAP certification.
  • Can be used for GAPs audits occurring between November 1, 2019 and August 30, 2022.
  • 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: 2022, No. 1 (January/February)

Publication date: Jan. 1, 2022

Is it safe to can breads and cakes? (Answer: NO!)Information on baking and “canning” breads and cakes in jars has been circulating for at least 25 years and, more recently, has been shared on social media. One recipe you might see says to bake ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2021, No. 6 (November/December)

Publication date: Nov. 1, 2021

Holiday Hot SaucePush past gift cards this holiday season. Consider a spicy hot sauce for someone on your shopping list..Hot sauce is typically canned using boiling water or the steam canning method. Boiling water or steam canned products must have a ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2021, No. 5 (September/October)

Publication date: Sept. 1, 2021

Canning MeatsFreezing isn’t the only method used to extend the life of meats. Meats, such as beef, pork, venison, bear, lamb, or veal, can be canned in pint or quart jars. These can be stored and enjoyed for up to at least 12 months.Prepare meats ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2021, No. 4 (July/August)

Publication date: July 1, 2021

Elderberries: beautiful to look at, not for canningAlthough elderberry plants are beautiful, recent variety tests have indicated that elderberries are low in acid and cannot be safely preserved using standard home-canning recommendations for fruits ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2021, No. 3 (May/June)

Publication date: May 1, 2021

Kitchen Innovations: Are Electric Pressure Canners Safe?In recent years, many innovative kitchen appliances have come onto the market. Among them are electric multifunction pressure cookers like the Instant Pot — some of which have “canning” or ...

Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2021, No. 2 (March/April)

Publication date: March 1, 2021

How to Determine Spoilage in Home-Canned GoodsSpoilage in home-canned food does happen. Make sure you examine your jars carefully before serving food from them to your family, friends or pets. There are definite signs to look for, but always keep in ...

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