FDA Compliance

The Preventive Controls for Human Food rule and Preventive Controls for Animal Food rule are now final, and compliance dates for some businesses begin in September 2016.

The preventive controls final rules are the result of an extensive outreach effort, and incorporate thousands of public comments, including valuable input from farmers, consumers, the food industry and academic experts, to create a flexible and targeted approach to ensuring food safety.

OSHA finds chicken processor continues to expose workers to serious amputation, electrocution, and fall hazards – Company cited with 55 violations after latest inspections, faces $861K in fines.

Government Regulators Focus on Food Processors in focus for enforcement initiatives

The government regulators have food processors in focus for enforcement initiatives. Both FDA and OSHA.
On January 4, 2011, President Obama signed into law the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) (Public Law 111-353). Section 201(b) of FSMA amends section 1003 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to annually submit to Congress a report that includes the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) efforts to coordinate and cooperate with other federal agencies with responsibilities for food inspections.

Demand for vegetables and fruits is out-pacing the supply in the US because many growers do not have adequate assistance for complying with food safety regulations. This results in more imports from other countries and US farmers losing a hold on domestic product opportunities. US farmers could greatly increase revenues by conducting business farm-to-school and farm-to-grocer but are sometimes not able to meet the safety and quality requirements of a potentially huge customer base.

Our regulatory programs are made cost-effective for those farmers who wish to expand their distribution and production. The cost of compliance is easily off-set by increased sales. We can develop Good Agricultural Practices for the average farm for a fraction of the increase in profits.US Safety and Risk Management, LLC is prepared to partner with the US farmer to increase sales and expand their market reach through developing proper regulatory standards and meeting quality requirements of their customers. We are willing to work hard to take back the vegetable and fruit market for American growers.

Federal Agencies are Combining Efforts

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

FDA works very closely with CDC to conduct surveillance; investigate outbreaks of foodborne illness; develop standards, protocols and guidelines; conduct studies and risk assessments; and educate and inform the public, consumer groups, public health partners, industry, and other stakeholders on food safety. FDA and CDC also collaborate with FSIS and state health and agriculture departments on these activities.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

FDA’s responsibility in the food area generally covers all domestic and imported food except meat, poultry, and processed eggs, which are primarily the responsibility of FSIS. Under a 2012 MOU, FDA and several USDA agencies, including FSIS, share information related to food safety; public health; and associated regulatory, marketing, trade and research activities substantially affecting the public health.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

FDA, FSIS, and EPA meet regularly through both the Interagency Strategic Assessment Team and the Interagency Regulatory Coordinating Group to coordinate activities on establishing priorities and addressing other issues related to residues of animal drugs and pesticides in food animals, detecting illegal residues, and taking regulatory action against violators.

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety, and Health Administration (OSHA)

Although not technically responsible for performing food inspections, OSHA does inspect workplaces where food may be produced, processed, or held. FDA is working with OSHA to enable the agencies to share relevant information obtained during their respective inspections of facilities where food is produced, processed, or held. OSHA’s role is to set and enforce standards that will ensure safe working conditions. While carrying out their respective roles, FDA investigators and OSHA compliance officers may observe conditions or obtain information relevant to the other agency’s safety and health mission.

In 2011, OSHA and FDA signed an MOU to facilitate information sharing with respect to matters affecting the occupational safety and health of workers and the safety and security of our nation’s food supply in facilities where food is produced, processed, or held.