SC Ag Dept focusing on food safety

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina officials have hired someone to keep an eye on food safety across the state.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture announced last week that Weatherly Thomas had been hired to serve as its statewide food safety coordinator. The agency says Thomas will focus on helping farmers develop food safety plans and get certifications for good agricultural and handling practices.

Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers says having Thomas aboard will help farmers make their products safer and more marketable. Weathers says many schools and other institutions require safety certifications on foods they purchase.

Participation in the certifications is voluntary. Weathers says Thomas will do mock food safety audits and provide advice on how to improve food safety on the farm.