At FoodLogiQ, our customers utilize workflows within the platform to achieve a wide range of things, from guiding a new supplier through their onboarding process to assessing suppliers on their readiness to adopt traceability standards. Join our live demo of FoodLogiQ Connect on Thursday, September 19th at 2 PM ET, and learn more about the top 5 workflows our customers use to streamline their supplier management.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is arguably the most important law in the food industry today, and will probably remain so until 2024 when the final set of regulations take full effect. In the coming years, however, different aspects of the rule will continue to roll out for food businesses of all sizes.
In July 2019, two sets of rules will roll out for two groups of businesses: the Intentional Adulteration (IA) rule for large establishments and the foreign supplier verification program rule (FSVP) for importers whose international suppliers are small and very small businesses. If your business is subject to any of these rules, you need to be on the right side of the law as the compliance dates approach.
Your suppliers are one of the most important determinants of the success of your food business. If they do not adhere to regulations or safety practices, you may find your business in jeopardy. Recent laws, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), have increased the responsibilities and roles of food businesses in preventing foodborne disease outbreaks and ensuring food safety. The rule has set several stringent requirements on supply chain related activities, including mandatory documentation of important supplier activities for most businesses.
Producing and delivering safe, nutritious food is a global challenge that affects every country in the world. It is also one that requires the contribution of food companies of all sizes as well as public and private partners. With the increasing demands for product variety and more sustainable food options, we are witnessing an era of complex supply chains, usually involving several large and small suppliers, both local and overseas. The implication is this: to ensure the production of safe food, all companies will need to understand their role in food safety and ensure compliance with the regulations.
We all know that 2018 was not a great year for farmers and growers in the United States. From romaine lettuce to pre-cut melons, we witnessed several foodborne disease outbreaks linked to the produce industry, triggering huge nationwide recalls. At least 800 people were sickened or hospitalized from multiple E. coli outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce alone.
For farmers and regulators, reducing the number of food safety incidents remains a priority. If you operate a business that grows and sells fresh produce (fruits and vegetables), you should ensure your business complies with the provisions of the Produce Safety rule for which FDA inspections start in Spring 2019.
