Plastics, paper and other packaging materials bring many benefits to the food supply chain, including sterility and prolonged shelf life. However, there is the potential for transfer of chemicals from the packaging to the food, which is why FDA regulations surrounding food contact materials exist. Understanding this legislation is key to creating effective, safe and legally compliant packaging.
Just as prevention is considered a cornerstone of the food safety plan, inspections are a cornerstone of achieving the goal of preventive pest management.
To the credit of FDA, a wealth of resources has been assembled to help processors develop and implement a plan to come into compliance with the Preventive Controls rules. For example, the agency created a Food Safety Plan Builder to assist owners/operators of food facilities with the development of food safety plans that are specific to their facilities and has published several guidance documents related to implementing Food Safety Modernization Act.
No matter where your organization’s facilities and supply chain stand on FSMA compliance, it is imperative to understand the risks, develop a documented plan and encourage food safety and sanitation buy-in at all levels of the organization.
Experts offer advice on creating food and beverage processing facilities that are easy to clean, while also looking to a future that includes automating the process.
The landscape of solutions for optimizing efficiencies across a food brand’s supply-chain is constantly changing at the pace of the technology sector. And that pace of change can feel rapid.