Tag Archives: Food Safety Modernization Act

The Food Safety Modernization Act: In Small Bites

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If you have been following the development of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), from its inception, to its passage, to its implementation, it has been quite a long ride! Signed into law in 2011, there has been no shortage of discussion as to what the effects of the law will be on the food industry. What was somewhat abstract became much more immediate when two of the seven key rules were recently released. These first two, respectively pertaining to Human Food Risk Analysis and Animal Food Risk Analysis, came out in late August.

By the time this blog appears on our site, three additional rules will be set for publication. Produce Safety, Foreign Supplier Verification, and Accreditation of Third Party Auditors rules are all set for late October.

As we have highlighted in past blogs concerning FSMA, Nelson-Jameson aims to bring together as many quality resources as possible to help our customers navigate this sweeping change in food safety law in the United States. Recently, 3M, one of our suppliers here at NJ, teamed up with The Acheson Group to provide a 15-part webinar series on the Food Safety Modernization Act.

The series is free of charge and is geared toward food industry interests looking to better understand FSMA and its related standards. The monthly series will run throughout 2016. The impressive first installment, “FSMA: How Do I Comply? How To Determine Which FSMA Rules Apply To You” is available on 3M’s Healthcare Academy site. To sign up for access to the episode, or to sign up for upcoming installments of the series click here.

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The Constant Student: The Importance of Continuing Education in the Food Industry

Books and appleBenjamin Franklin is famously quoted as saying, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” In the food industry, this old adage is put to the test each time consumers open up a food product or sit down for a meal. The ability to create a safe and high-quality product demands critical thought, innovation, vigilance, and a willingness to seek out best practices. The return on this investment comes in creating a product one can be proud of and in protecting the best interests and health of one’s customers.

Yet, making sense of regulations, rules, and best practices can be somewhat daunting for the average producer. Small and medium-sized operations especially may view something as comprehensive as the Food Safety Modernization Act as an imposing and confusing path they are not sure how to navigate. So, how can one balance the want for excellence with these sometimes seemingly overwhelming demands placed on food industry interests? Simply put, the best weapon against being overwhelmed comes through education.

Nelson-Jameson is working with Cherney Microbiological Services to provide accessible educational opportunities for operations of all sizes and levels of experience. This April 21st-22nd, consider taking part in “Sanitation and Environmental Monitoring Essentials,” a course for employees involved in facility control programs where attendees will learn about food microbiology, sanitation, and environmental programs in an interactive environment. The course will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin and an early registration discount is available through March 25th ($1195 early or $1295 after March 25th).

Contact us for additional information or to learn more about the course. We would like to know your ideas/thoughts on needed topics that you would like to see addressed in future courses and/or training opportunities, leave a reply in the comments section below or contact us at sales@nelsonjameson.com.

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