I understand that the South Carolina Farm Bureau has doubled its workforce since last week and has taken on new responsibilities. I will be joined by Commissioner Hugh Weathers to talk about this.
As of July 1, food safety responsibilities formerly handled by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) are now handled by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
The change is the result of legislation that abolishes DHEC and splits its programs among existing and new agencies.
Currently, SC regulates the safety of all foods except meat and poultry.
The newly established Retail Food Safety Division will regulate restaurant kitchens, grocery store delis, caterers, school cafeterias, some convenience stores, and certain other establishments that prepare food for consumption on premises. The Milk Safety Division will regulate liquid milk and grade “A” milk products such as yogurt. SCDA’s Laboratory Services Division will take over the milk testing laboratory and will be responsible for testing liquid milk samples and some milk products. Businesses regulated by the previous DHEC Manufactured Foods Program, such as ice, soft drinks, bottled water, frozen desserts, butter, and cheese, are now regulated by SCDA’s existing Food Safety Program, which oversees food manufacturing at the wholesale level.
what’s new:
Consumers will soon see new SCDA-branded letter grade stickers in retail food store windows. Retail food stores can apply for permits and pay fees online. Grade A dairy operations will see new forms and permits, as well as a new website. There are no more regional offices; administration is now centralized at SCDA’s State Farmers Market campuses.
SCDA is committed to customer service and I look forward to taking on these new responsibilities.
We ask for the understanding and cooperation of the public and businesses subject to testing as we continue to adjust staffing and procedures during the transition period.
