Food safety, traceability and sustainability blog

Friday Round-up (5/29/20): FDA Issues Temporary Policy to Alleviate Supply Chain Disruption

Every week FoodLogiQ will be aggregating the latest updates and resources for food businesses navigating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Learn how the industry is adapting to protect and feed consumers while building resilience in the face of global crisis.

In order to alleviate supply chain disruption due to COVID-19, the FDA issued a temporary policy this week allowing food manufacturers flexibility in food labeling. The temporary easement grants manufacturers the ability to substitute an ingredient that is currently not available with a similar ingredient, without having to create a new label. This newly-created option allows supply chains to continue to flow in a seamless fashion to get products to consumers in an efficient way during this trying time.

Using the Power of Traceability to Address Inventory Disruption

Since the onset of COVID-19, the supply chain has been characterized by constant, notable shifts. From changes in consumer behavior and purchasing tendencies to staff furloughs, supplier additions and product rerouting, the food supply chain has been literally and figuratively forced to think - and act - quickly on its feet. 

As a result, during this time, it has been essential for food brands to understand their products’ immediate location within the supply chain, as well as how this pinpoint fits into the overall route to its final destination: into consumer hands. Not only is supply chain visibility critical for optimizing efficiency, minimizing cost, preventing food waste and protecting the end consumer; it’s also vital for redirecting inventory, as well.

Frontier Co-op: A Streamlined Supply Chain Enables Flexibility During COVID-19

Founded in 1976 and based in Norway, Iowa, Frontier Co-op is a cooperatively-owned wholesaler of natural and organic products under the Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic and Aura Cacia brands. With more than 25,000 member-owners and over 500 employees, they manufacture and distribute products throughout the United States and Canada.

“The complexity of products makes our supply chain a challenge,” says Greg Sommerville, Head of Supply Integrity representing Frontier Co-op. “We have more than 1,800 different ingredients and materials, including herbs and teas, spices, essential oils, and packaging. As an example of the complexity, one of our spice blends is sourced from 16 suppliers in nine different countries. Using FoodLogiQ Connect’s Manage + Monitor, we have an unmatched level of visibility into our suppliers and the associated documentation. That’s proven to be extremely valuable for regulatory compliance and quality assurance, especially during COVID-19.”

FoodLogiQ to Share Impact of Data Quality Standards and Traceability at June 2020 Virtual Conferences

Live, in-person trade shows and events have taken a hard hit this year due to COVID-19. While some conferences have been canceled for 2020, many organizers have flexed their technology muscles and quickly pivoted to transform their events into virtual gatherings. Some of these events are free or easier to attend, allowing for more industry stakeholders to participate.

Friday Round-up (5/22/20): Transparency is Key When Managing Fluctuations in Demand

Every week FoodLogiQ will be aggregating the latest updates and resources for food businesses navigating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Learn how the industry is adapting to protect and feed consumers while building resilience in the face of global crisis.

Food companies and retailers are re-evaluating service hours as states begin to outline reopening phases. While risk mitigation procedures such as enhanced sanitization programs, implementation of protective barriers and employee PPE requirements are likely to remain unchanged, some businesses are looking at ways to continue streamlining operations and inventory management while managing rapidly shifting consumer behaviors. According to Nielsen and Rakuten Intelligence, U.S. online sales of consumer grocery packaged goods grew 56% for the week ending in April 18th, compared to the same period a year earlier.  And with so many moving pieces around new reopening rules, keeping agile is essential for satisfying requirements through dramatic swings in demand.