The Unsung Heroes of Farmers Markets: Ensuring Food Safety in Alaska
Written in collaboration by Claire Marshalek & Meghan Hargis of the Alaska Farmers Markets Association, and Leah Moss, AFPC.
Farmers markets have become an integral part of our communities, offering a unique opportunity to purchase fresh, local produce and homemade treats directly from those who produce them. These vibrant hubs not only support local economies but also foster a sense of community and trust between farmers and consumers. However, amid the hustle and bustle of a farmers market, there is an often-overlooked aspect that deserves our attention and appreciation: food safety.
On June 7, we celebrated World Food Safety Day, a reminder of the importance of ensuring the food we consume is safe. This celebration brought to light the critical role that food safety measures play, especially in community settings like farmers markets. In Alaska, the number of farmers markets has grown significantly in recent years and regulations are now changing around the foods we can purchase there. The role of food safety is as critical as ever.
Permits and Safety: The First Line of Defense
At the heart of food safety at farmers markets are permits. These are not just bureaucratic hurdles but vital tools that help ensure the food being sold is safe for consumption. Certain foods, such as meats, seafood, and dairy products, require careful temperature control to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Permits for these products ensure that vendors are equipped with the necessary knowledge and facilities to keep these foods safe.
Processed fruits and vegetables also fall under specific guidelines. If these products are cut, juiced, or otherwise altered from their natural state, they must be handled under conditions that prevent contamination. The permit process serves as an educational checkpoint, verifying that vendors understand and can implement these safety measures while providing the customer with reasonable assurance of safety.
Food Safety in Alaska
In Alaska, food safety is regulated by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s (ADEC) Food Safety and Sanitation Program. Their mission is to protect public health by working with food producers and markets to prevent illness. The Municipality of Anchorage has its own program, with similar rules and an added requirement for a Cottage Food License and Food Workers Card for those selling homemade foods.
Alaska’s current cottage food regulations allow the sale of some low-risk foods directly to consumers without a permit. These are foods that don’t need refrigeration, like breads and pickles. However, there are labeling requirements and other rules to ensure these foods are safe, including listing all ingredients and potential allergens. But this is now changing and with that farmers markets and food hubs will now have to adjust their processes around food safety measures.
Working Together for Safety
Ensuring food safety at farmers markets is a team effort. Farmers and vendors must adhere to best practices in food preparation and handling, such as maintaining proper temperatures, protecting food from contaminants, and using clean equipment. Market managers and regulatory bodies like the ADEC provide the guidelines and resources to help everyone stay on track.
The Alaska Farmers Market Association offers food safety support and resources in their Farmers Markets Toolkit. Market managers, farmers, and consumers can access these resources to create a culture of food safety from the field to the fridge.
The Role of Food Hubs
Photo Credit: Alaska Farmers Market Association
Food hubs play a crucial part in this ecosystem by connecting local farmers with markets and consumers. They not only help distribute local food but also ensure that food safety standards are maintained. The Alaska Food Hub, for example, follows all the necessary product guidelines and sales limits for cottage foods. They also manage product labeling requirements and ensure that producers have the appropriate food handler cards.
To strengthen these efforts, the Alaska Food Policy Council created the "Alaska Food Hub Working Group." This group aims to bring together all existing and emerging food hubs across the state to share knowledge, provide professional development for operators, and collaborate on improving food safety and distribution practices. The Alaska Farmers Market Association has a specific chapter within their Toolkit on food safety and permitting for food hubs, created in collaboration with the DEC and AFPC. By supporting food hubs, we can enhance local food systems and ensure that everyone has access to safe, fresh, and healthy foods.
Why It Matters
Why is all this effort so important? Food safety is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses, which can have serious health consequences. When we trust that our food is safe, we’re more likely to support local farmers and businesses. This trust helps local economies thrive and builds stronger communities.
Photo Credit: Alaska Farmers Market Association
A Call to Appreciate and Support
While our local farmers might feel relaxed, behind the scenes there is extensive work to ensure our food is safe. Market managers, farmers, vendors, and regulatory bodies work tirelessly to make these markets not only vibrant and enjoyable but also safe for everyone.
It is time we recognize and appreciate their efforts. Next time you visit a farmers market, take a moment to thank a vendor or market manager for their dedication to food safety. By supporting these markets and valuing the safety measures in place, we contribute to the continued success and growth of our local food systems.
In doing so, we ensure that farmers markets remain a cornerstone of our communities, providing safe, fresh, and delicious food for all. Let’s honor the spirit of World Food Safety Day every day by acknowledging and supporting the unsung heroes who make our farmers markets a safe place to shop and enjoy.
