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With security threats against the sector increasing and cyber threats against the global supply system also on the rise, it is imperative that a food and agriculture ISAC be formed. It does not have to be fully capable at the start; just a few large companies that agree to pool and analyze threat information can plant the initial seed. If successful awareness and deterrence can be demonstrated, then other companies will join. At full capability, the ISAC can serve as a watch and warning center for the sector, providing timely threat analysis for members at all levels. In this article, the authors look at what it takes to create and run a successful ISAC.

Amid the pandemic in 2020, federal and state recall coordinators and their leadership teams took a closer look at the existing regulatory recall response efforts in the state of Georgia, and where collaboration exists between the two agencies. After creating a pilot template project in 2021, the recall shadowing concept was expanded to a larger network. Feedback from 12 additional agencies in 2022 strengthened the project to enhance partner integration efforts, with the ultimate goal to better protect public health during recall events.

A survey was sent to food industry trade association members representing food companies to determine what is known about food safety culture, food safety management systems, and active managerial control. The survey also asked about the implementation of such practices in support of a culture of food safety. The survey results indicate that many companies are well aware of these food safety concepts; however, many respondents are unsure whether their company is operating with true active managerial control. Opportunities were uncovered to inform and encourage engagement in active managerial control to a greater degree.

The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness and FDA are co-hosting a highly anticipated food safety culture webinar live from the Food Safety Summit on Thursday, May 11. During the live session, academic, regulatory, and industry professionals will discuss how they assess food safety culture and its impact. 

The 2023 Food Safety Summit's kick-off workshop will demystify the root-cause analysis process by breaking it down into easy-to-understand steps, shed light on the regulatory expectations for the investigative process, examine the due diligence needed for investigations, and provide insight on best practices for successful implementation used within industry. 

Federal and state regulators, along with consumer groups, are shifting their food safety focus toward customer-facing businesses.

To prevent Clostridium botulinum poisoning, hygienic processing, especially during the heating and sterilization steps, must be maintained.

Recent flooding in California included many ranches in the Salinas Valley, which grow leafy greens and other crops. Floodwaters have the potential to contain various pathogens that can directly cross-contaminate future product grown in those fields, as well as nearby fields. Bringing land back into production is an area of great concern.

Senior executives from Wawa Inc., Maple Leaf Foods, OSI Group, and Cultivate SA will discuss risk culture at the Food Safety Summit keynote on May 10 in Rosemont, Illinois.