Pennsylvania Ag Connection - Code R.E.D. Enforcement Ensure Safe Food Transport

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Code R.E.D. Enforcement Ensure Safe Food Transport
Pennsylvania Ag Connection - 06/21/2017

A partnership between Pennsylvania State Police and food safety inspectors from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is helping to ensure the safety of foods while on the road, especially during the summer months, according to state officials who today announced the start of a special annual enforcement effort.

Operation Code R.E.D., for Refrigerated Enforcement Detail, ensures that food is stored properly and kept at safe temperatures as commercial haulers deliver products to restaurants, grocery stores and other destinations along the retail chain. State police troopers with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Division inspect refrigerated trucks for compliance with state and federal motor carrier safety regulations while food safety inspectors check for compliance with the Pennsylvania Food Code.

"Code R.E.D. is an example of government that works -- working together across agencies and leveraging our state's resources to more efficiently and effectively protect consumers," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "This collaborative partnership is helping to make our food supply safer. Before we started this enforcement detail, there was no way to enforce food safety across this vital link in the supply chain, or to educate drivers about proper food safety. Thanks to our partners at the Pennsylvania State Police, we're doing both now."

"The goal of Code R.E.D is to keep Pennsylvanians healthy by ensuring their food is transported in a way that is safe and sanitary," said Pennsylvania State Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Division Director Lieutenant Robert Krol. "Regular inspections of refrigerated commercial vehicles are a crucial part of food safety."

According to officials, the inspections are particularly important in warmer months, when long transport times, warm weather, and full sunlight can tax refrigeration units. As with inspections of food establishments like restaurants, cafeteria kitchens and home processors, most problems are corrected on-site, although drivers may have to discard products that are determined to be outside the range of acceptable temperature parameters.

Code R.E.D. inspections began in April 2013 and have occurred regularly since then. For more information, including food safety inspection reports, visit www.eatsafepa.com. Code R.E.D. inspection results are available by calling the department's Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services at 1-866-366-3723.

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