As of April 6, 2017, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food rule goes into enforceable compliance. This came about due to foodborne illnesses associated with gaps in programs around how foods are transported via rail and motor vehicles to the next processor or end distribution point. As with all FSMA updates, this critical element in the food supply chain has risk-based considerations.
The rule identifies foods considered vulnerable while in transit to their next destination. Packaged and bulk foods that must be shipped under temperature-controlled conditions to prevent risk of pathogen growth for food safety are one type of food covered under this regulation. This requires appropriate temperature maintenance during shipment. Another product covered in the rule is bulk food materials that are exposed to multi-use bulk vehicles. These associated risks are managed through previous load and wash ticket information to prevent cross-contamination and allergen cross-contact.