A.(1) The department is hereby designated as the state agency responsible for cooperating with the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services regarding provisions of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act that fall within the department’s authority granted by this Part.

            (2) The commissioner is authorized to receive and expend state and federal funds appropriated for the administration of this Part.

            B. The department shall work with the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services to develop a program to ensure the safety of agricultural produce in Louisiana.

            C. The commissioner may accept advisory assistance from the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services in developing the program authorized by this Part, technical and laboratory assistance and training, including necessary curriculum, instructional materials, and equipment, and financial assistance or other aid for administration of the program authorized by this Part.

            D. The commissioner shall represent the state in all communications and negotiations with the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services regarding the implementation of this Part and the provisions of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act that fall within the department’s authority granted by this Part.

            Acts 2017, No. 327, §1, eff. June 22, 2017.