Alabama Produce Safety Program

Alabama’s farmers do it all.

From sun up to sun down, they work hard to put food on the table for Alabama families.

I was proud to proclaim today as Sweet Grown Alabama Day to recognize the importance of supporting our local producers year-round.

Taylor Farms has initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, which include Marketside-brand products sold at Walmart due to potential Cyclospora contamination.

Updates will be provided as additional information is available. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026

🎉 It's World Emoji Day! 🌍😄

Using only emojis, show us your favorite produce to eat! 🍎🥕🍉🥑🍓🍌🍅🥦🍊

Drop your answer in the comments! 👇

July is here, and Alabama gardens are growing strong!

During the summer months, garden maintenance is key. From watering and weeding to monitoring for insects and disease, a little attention now can help keep your garden productive through the heat.

Depending on where you live in Alabama, there are still vegetables you can plant from seed this month. It is also time to start thinking ahead to fall by starting certain crops in flats for transplanting later.

Check out the resources below for July planting details, and don’t forget to keep growing, Alabama!

Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama: www.aces.edu/go/5710
Alabama Gardener's Calendar: https://www.aces.edu/go/6513

If you have questions, complete the Master Gardener Help Request form to connect with local experts. https://www.aces.edu/go/3352

As we mark 250 years of independence, let’s pause to reflect on the meaning of our flag and what it represents. Freedom is never simply inherited, it is upheld by every generation willing to defend it. Happy 4th of July, and God bless America! 🇺🇸🦅

We could never thank them enough for all they do

As you build your burgers this holiday weekend, take a moment to thank the farmers who make every layer possible. From the bun and beef to the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, cheese, and even the flag on top, agriculture is part of it all.

This Fourth of July, we celebrate the people who help feed, clothe, and support our communities every day. From the bun to the beef, every layer starts with agriculture.

Visit www.aces.edu to learn more.

This week, members of our Produce Safety Team traveled to Columbus, Ohio to attend the Association of Food and Drug Officials Annual Educational Conference (AFDO).

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to learn from industry experts, participate in engaging educational sessions, and explore important discussions surrounding produce safety and the future of our programs. Hearing diverse perspectives and sharing experiences with colleagues from across the country sparked new ideas and valuable insights that we are excited to bring back to our work.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was reconnecting with friends and colleagues from the southern states, as well as partners from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). Building and strengthening these relationships is an important part of advancing our shared mission and addressing the challenges and opportunities facing produce safety programs nationwide.

A sincere thank you to everyone who helped organize such a successful conference. We appreciate the opportunity to present, learn, collaborate, and connect, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Yesterday’s severe storms left many Alabamians without power. If your home experienced an outage, it is important to take proper food safety precautions to protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness. Here is what you need to know about safely handling food after a power outage.