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.

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.

Conducting and Responding to Virtual Audits for Safe, Sanitary Operations

Keep your locations and supply chain partners compliant with health and safety practices by deploying virtual audits. Learn how FoodLogiQ customers are employing digital inspections in our E-Book on coronavirus risk mitigation and response.

As the New Normal begins to unfurl and businesses start to re-open on a national and international basis, tensions, paired with levels of attention, are high. The literal and metaphorical opening of doors has inspired some hope within the industry, simultaneously fostering concern for what the future holds. Undoubtedly, recent events have underlined the significance of risk mitigation strategies and their role as key components of strong overarching food safety plans.