Smithfield Foods, Inc. has begun the construction of new biogas gathering systems in Missouri and Utah, which brings the company closer to delivering renewable natural gas (RNG) from hog manure.

With the release of its 2018 Sustainability Report, Smithfield Foods announced the company’s commitment to reduce overall solid waste sent to landfills 75% by 2025. This includes certifying at least 35 of its U.S. facilities, or three-quarters of its domestic facilities, as zero-waste-to-landfill by 2025.

Unless your facility is a USDA shop, then it most likely falls under FSMA regulations, which for the vast majority of processors is the law of the land. If you haven’t yet been visited by FDA for an audit, it is past time to get ready for that inevitable moment. I asked Ib Elandaloussi (CAL), Food and Consumer Products Group with Burns and McDonnell to talk briefly about designing facility solutions to meet FSMA rules.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is requesting information on a possible update to the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)) standard. The Agency is interested in comments on the use of control circuit-type devices to isolate energy, as well as the evolving technology for robotics.

The Boston Beer Company and Dogfish Head Brewery have signed a definitive merger agreement, bringing together two independent craft breweries and their founders and brewers, Jim Koch and Sam Calagione. The new entity will possess more than half a century or craft brewing experience, a balanced portfolio of leading and “beyond beer” brands at high-end price points, and industry leadership in innovation and quality.