FDA is scheduled to release the final new preventive control regulations for the food industry this month. For too many in the food manufacturing industry, the rules will be a culture shock. But the food industry will not be alone, since the animal feed industry also faces new regulatory requirements.
The new regulations will be onerous for many to implement from a technical, operational and facility standpoint, as well as from a managerial standpoint. Some businesses will have to invest in substantial facility improvements to achieve compliance under the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Preventive Controls for Human Food. They should keep in mind, however, that this new policy is the result of numerous foodborne illness outbreaks over the last several years, and its purpose is to make America’s food supply safer. FDA is trying to empower manufacturers to take a proactive stance, rather than a reactive one.