Perceptions of Produce Recall Responsibility and Compliance of FSMA Produce Safety Rule Among Small- and Medium-Sized Produce Growers

Ensuring the safety of produce is essential for protecting consumers and preventing foodborne illnesses. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule (FSMA PSR), contribute to the decision-making process of produce growers in ensuring the production of safe foods. However, little research has explored the role of growers’ perceptions of responsibility for produce-associated outbreaks, and how these may influence their decisions. Using a cross-sectional online survey of 500 US small- or medium-sized produce growers, this study examined perceptions of stakeholder responsibility for two produce-related outbreaks involving jalapeños and a spinach–spring mix blend. The implications of the PSR exemptions were also investigated. Responsibility attribution differed among stakeholder groups for each produce commodity. Packing houses were identified as a common denominator responsible for both produce commodities. Medium-sized produce growers agreed that the PSR exemptions provide direct market access and reduced time commitment to exempted farms (p < 0.001). However, small-sized produce growers expressed concerns about the potential limitations of the exemptions for qualifying farms. The results provide insights to policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to incorporate programs that foster shared responsibility for produce safety across the food system. It also informs future evaluations of the implications of the PSR exemptions.