How can a food company prepare for whistleblower claims? For starters, food companies should educate their employees on the programs and processes by which the company intends to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act.
The announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month of proposed regulations intended to strengthen the oversight of foods imported for consumption in the U.S. has generated a great deal of publicity and comment in the media.
Most players in the food supply chain believe that the safety of their product is a central concern. Regardless of this gradual shift in attitudes, the outcome is positive for the industry as food manufacturers are integrateing corporate risk management into their processes.
Whether large- or small-scale, food product recalls tend to leave their mark on the industry and often alter practices for the better. In order to react quickly and responsibly to a voluntary or involuntary recall, all companies must be adequately prepared.
Without clear standards regulating labeling definitions, food and beverage companies are finding themselves under greater scrutiny over the validity of what is found on their products’ labels.
Finding a group of like-minded employees who embrace the new direction and are committed to driving it forward is critical to the success of any change initiative.
Food producers operate in an environment of ever-increasing regulation and complexity, but as a senior manager, you just have to make sure that your company follows the rules and meets the new FSMA standards. Do that and you will have nothing else to worry about.