By now, food processors around the US—and the world—are familiar with the basic principles behind FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) signed into law in January 2011. Though new requirements mandated by FSMA are still being shaped, this piece of legislation represents the most extensive update to American food safety laws for more than 70 years, and expands FDA’s ability to access records during inspections and food emergencies. Put simply, food processors must have thorough plans in place for tracking their production process and distribution—and then effectively implement them, according to Tom Egan, vice president, industry services, PMMI.
“For some brand owners, compliance—and demonstrating compliance with new regulations—will be more of a challenge than for others,” says Egan. “For example, new regulations posed by FSMA will require processors of dry food products, including snack foods, baked goods, cereals and dry pet food, to implement preventative measures that combat microbiological hazards on their packaging lines.