The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is the recipient of a three year, $300,000 federal grant to enhance its food safety program.

The grant, awarded to food and feed regulatory agencies to build their inspection program capacity, stems from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) which became law in January 2011. The key focus of FSMA is to update the way feed and food are regulated.

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) realized there was a need to enhance food safety procedures. This financial assistance will help the Department of Agriculture and Forestry make the necessary changes to boost inspection capabilities and help ensure food safety,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.

The grant will fund:

1-A temporary “Feed Inspection Coordinator” position through the grant funding period

2- Feed safety training for the LDAF Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences inspection staff

3-Various meetings and training events hosted by LDAF for the Louisiana feed industry

4-Creation of a Louisiana Feed Manufacturing Facility Inventory

5-Publishing of educational materials for both the Louisiana feed industry and consumers

“This grant is a step toward achieving the goal of an integrated food safety system between state and federal regulatory agencies to help ensure a safe livestock feed supply for the Louisiana farmer and safe pet foods for the Louisiana pet owner,” added Strain.