Food defense is now an integral element in almost all third-party audit schemes, in particular ones from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

FDA has finalized guidance to help facilities determine their business size under the Preventive Controls for Human Food and Preventive Controls for Animal Food rules issued in response to the FSMA.

Jenny Scott and Glenda Lewis speak about various aspects involved in the control of food allergens as it relates to food provided to the consumer at retail food establishments and in retail food stores, including recalls.

Michael Taylor, former deputy commissioner for food for FDA and present co-chair of the Stop Foodborne Illness Board, suggested that in spite of all the technology, collaboration and education to improve food safety, crisis management still drives changes.

Food processors have a mandate to ensure that they have someone with a new title on board: the preventive controls qualified individual, or PCQI.

The idea of preventive controls is not process-centric, but risk based. And its principles are not new concepts.

According to FSMA, each processor must have a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI). This person is responsible for developing the food safety program, ensuring the controls are validated, reviewing records and reassessing the plan.