Food Safety Program for Cider Makers

The Food Safety for Cider Makers Online Course is available on the Michigan Apple Association website. Michigan cider producers can showcase their commitment to safe products by continuing their food safety education and maintaining food safety specialist certification through this course. As of 2009, every Michigan cider mill must have a food safety specialist on premises. This online Food Safety for Cider Mills class certifies a food safety specialist for your operation for the next five years.

Food Safety is the #1 priority for the Michigan Apple Industry, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Participating cider mill operators can earn PRC credits for completing the food safety program. The program has been approved for 6 private or commercial Pesticide Re-certification credits. Growers who are "in the process" of getting certified cannot get credits; process must be completed. Be sure to provide your applicator number on the registration form.

The current law is in place thanks to a cider safety task force that included members of the Michigan cider industry, MDARD, and Michigan State University Extension to ensure the safety of Michigan apple cider. The law, in addition to the updated 50-point Good Manufacturing Practices that MDARD currently uses in an inspection, point to the 85 growers representing 68 Michigan cider mills who made a strong statement about their desire to continue offering the public a safe and wholesome product.

Special thanks go to Dr. Les Bourquin, Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University, and Mike Lally at MDARD for developing and implementing this food safety program that is cider-specific, in partnership with the Michigan Apple Association. Thank you also to Michigan State University Extension and MDARD for financial assistance and expertise that have made this program a reality.

Sincerely,