Purdue Extension Weekly Update
August 27th, 2026
In the aftermath of flooding, fruit and vegetable crops may pose a food safety risk. These catastrophic events can have a lingering and potentially hazardous impact on public health. Crops and other food commodities exposed to flood waters can be considered adulterated and not suitable for human consumption or animal feed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as Universities and Extension Programs across the country, have provided guidance on how to manage flood crops, keeping food safety in mind.
Assessing the Risk
Before cleaning up or destroying crops in flooded fields, check with your crop insurance and/or local Farm Services Agency (FSA) representatives regarding exact documentation to certify losses, procedures for initiating claims, and possible financial assistance. Several questions should be answered in order to assess the safety of flood covered or damaged crops. The first assessments should involve determining the extent of flooding, what type of contaminants could be in the flood water, and what types of crops are being affected.
Click the pdf below for more information.
Health and Human Sciences/County Extension Director
Email: krichey@purdue.edu
Website: extension.purdue.edu/Marshall
Location: 112 W Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN, USA
Phone: 574-935-8545
Facebook: facebook.com/marshallHHS
4-H Youth Development
Jayne Deaton
Email: jedeaton@purdue.edu
Website: https://extension.purdue.edu/Marshall
Location: 112 West Jefferson Street, Plymouth, IN, USA
Phone: 574-935-8545
Facebook: facebook.com/MarshallCo4H
Ag and Natural Resources
Email: brieanna@purdue.edu
Website: extension.purdue.edu/Marshall
Location: 112 West Jefferson Street, Plymouth, IN, USA
Phone: 574-935-8545
Facebook: facebook.com/marshallanr
