RALEIGH — Flooded crops cannot be used for human food, the state Agriculture Department warned in a news release.
Crops and commodities exposed to floodwaters are considered adulterated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and cannot enter human food channels. They also cannot be used for animal feed unless they pass a testing protocol, the release said.
“Floodwater may contain sewage, harmful organisms, pesticides, chemical wastes or other substances,” Steve Troxler said in the release. He’s the state agriculture commissioner. “Also, wet foods may grow mold, which can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.”
The FDA guidance applies to all food crops, including:
• Surface crops such as leafy greens, tomatoes and corn.
• Underground crops such as peanuts and sweet potatoes.
• Crops with a hard outer skin, such as watermelon and winter squash.
• Commodities such as grains, nuts, corn and similar products stored in bulk.
The FDA guidance applies to crops that were flooded with water from rivers, creeks or streams. Pooled water, or rainwater that has collected in the field, is different from flood water and is not likely to contaminate field crops.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is collaborating with N.C. State Extension in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University to help farmers determine safe uses for crops affected by Florence’s flood waters.
Under an FDA process, farmers can submit a request to divert flooded crops or commodities to animal feed as long as they pass a testing protocol, the release said.
Before crops or commodities contacted by flood waters can be used for animal feed, the farm must develop a diversion request detailing the process to assure the safety of the crop or commodity. Requests should be submitted to the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division.
To assist farmers submitting diversion requests, the department will provide testing at no cost to the farm. “This testing process can help farmers find alternative uses for their crops and commodities while maintaining confidence in the safety of our food supply,” Troxler said. “The department and the university are committed to helping in this recovery effort. We encourage farmers not to initiate any diversion actions until their request has been approved.”
Farmers should contact their local Cooperative Extension agents for further information and guidance. Contact information for local offices can be found at https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/.