Manufacturers need ongoing planning for Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance

In today's food and beverage industry, companies have to keep on top of government requirements.  And that means manufacturers have to prepare for the far-reaching manufacturing compliance reform, like the US Food and Drug Administration's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The purpose of the law is to provide a safer food supply and a more stable food industry.

Under the FSMA, the FDA has the authority to order recalls of contaminated food, a power it did not have prior to the enactment of the Food Safety Act, according to Teri Mascotti, director of business development at WithoutWire Inventory Sciences, a provider of inventory management solutions. Mascotti spoke to a recent online meeting of GPUG.

The FSMA includes five main areas of food safety enhancements:

1. Preventive Controls: The FDA's approach to food safety is shifting from responding to outbreaks to preventing them by holding food production facilities accountable for implementing safe and effective measures to prevent contamination.
2. Inspection and Compliance: The FDA is modifying inspection strategies appropriate for the food industry. "Many more inspections will take place," Mascotti said.
3. Imported Food Safety: The FDA has greater oversight to insure that imported food is safe.
4. Mandatory Recalls. The FDA now has the authority to issue mandatory recalls for all food products.
5. Enhanced Partnerships: The FDA will build collaborate with other agencies to improve food safety programs.

There will be revisions and updates to the law every four years, and that means companies will have to adhere to strict record-keeping practices, Mascotti said.

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