A big step in terms of food safety and foodborne illness prevention, FDA announced Thursday it has finalized two of seven major rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

“Today’s announcement sets us on the path to a modern food safety system that will prevent illnesses and continue to build confidence in the safety of the food served to our families every day,” said Stephen Ostroff, acting FDA commissioner.

The two rules finalized Thursday include preventative controls rules for human and animal food. These rules will require human and animal food facilities to develop and implement written food safety plants that indicate the possible problems that could affect the safety of their products and outline steps the facility can take to minimize these risks.

“We’ve been working with states, food companies, farmers and consumers to create smart, practical and meaningful rules,” said Michael R. Taylor, deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine, FDA. “And we have made a firm commitment to provide guidance, technical assistance and training to advance a food safety culture that puts prevention first.”

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