This article examines FDA's investigation of the 2022 regional outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium on cantaloupe from the Southwest Indiana growing region, which caused 87 reported illnesses and 32 hospitalizations between July and September of that year, and discusses several themes and conclusions related to the outbreak, such as how "business as usual" will continue to produce the same results.
With the proliferation of cannabis legislation in many U.S. states, there is a need to address food safety oversight through a federal regulatory framework
This article discusses the work being done by the Federal Regulatory Framework (FRF) Working Group, a collaboration between the Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards (FOCUS) and the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), to advocate for and develop a comprehensive and relevant roadmap for the federal regulatory framework of cannabis-infused edibles and beverages to address critical challenges and enhance consumer confidence.
New microbial and chemical risks come with the greater incorporation of plant-based raw materials into human diets and the introduction of reusable packaging
The added microbial risks that come with eating more plant-based foods can usually be mitigated by adjusting recipes or process parameters, although hazard considerations regarding the chemical safety of a diet richer in plant-based materials is more complex. Also, introducing reusable packaging may come with its own set of issues.
This article takes a look at how whole-being competencies support technical leaders to shift culture through daily interactions and behaviors. As we head into 2024, it is time to move from checking boxes to doing the work of creating and implementing a solid food safety culture improvement plan. Organizations are taking this opportunity to map out how to improve food safety culture in the next year—and, hopefully, over the next several years, as culture shifts are known to take several years to see the impact.
Sampling is part of a process that has two functions. It can be used to sample a process during operations or to sample the output of a process, such as a product lot. During sampling, the measurand (the object being measured) must be properly selected, properly transported to a location where the object or objects will be analyzed, and the results must be reported to the appropriate individuals. This article covers the systematic development of a sampling plan.
This article examines the multifaceted threats to food safety posed by climate change, focusing on cross-sectoral solutions to adapt to multiple emerging food safety risks.
A question that often arises is, "Does a food production establishment require both a HACCP plan and a Food Safety Plan?" The answer to this question depends on country- or region-specific legal requirements, among other factors.
The advent of artificial technologies like electronic noses, electronic eyes, and electronic tongues has fundamentally reshaped our approach to evaluating food samples, as underscored by their ability to capture intricate sensory attributes. The symbiotic relationship between artificial instruments and machine learning underscores their potential to reshape the food industry, ensuring that the food we relish is not only delectable but also safe and of the highest quality.
PFAS concentrations, which do not break down easily in the body, tend to increase rather than diminish over time. In light of these concerns and the prevalence of PFAS in consumer products like food packaging, many state and local governments, as well as public interest organizations, have begun enacting or promoting legislation that would regulate the implementation of PFAS in consumer products.
FDA has been adjusting its industry guidance for Food Contact Notifications and Food Contact Substances for infant formula since the passage of the Infant Formula Act of 1980
Starting in 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to include new restrictions in new Food Contact Notifications on the use of food contact substances for infant applications. Recently, FDA has hosted webinars to present information on regulatory requirements and considerations for infant formula ingredients and packaging. This article will discuss the history and current efforts by FDA to ensure the safety of infant formula, especially pertaining to food contact substances used in packaging.