Biofilm remains a significant public health-related issue in the food industry. The group behavior of pathogens results in resistant behaviors, including for commonly used disinfectants and antibiotics. Through the food supply chain, these pathogens can easily enter into the human and animal populations, making it imperative to understand the biofilm formation dynamics of these pathogens and how to prevent and control their formation.
Having a strong and mature food safety culture contributes to excellence in food safety at food companies worldwide. This article highlights two CEOs' perspectives on the food safety culture journey, the practices implemented, the lessons learned, and the goals for the future.
Food companies that prepare fresh food items often source individual ingredients from primary suppliers. The food safety risk is typically controlled at primary supplier plants or farms; however, the food safety stakes are high. It is necessary to have "boots on the ground" to assess how food safety and quality programs are integrated with the front-line operation for those suppliers who mitigate food safety risk on the behalf of a receiving company.
While new food sources and food production systems can help address some of the pressing food security and sustainability challenges ahead, they may also bring some unique food safety issues that must be proactively considered and addressed. This article examines the food safety and quality aspects of edible insects and other "new food" sources, such as jellyfish, aquatic algae, seaweed, and invertebrates.
With nearly 500 food safety recalls occurring per year, it is difficult for consumers to keep up. Prevention of foodborne illness—the main goal of the nonprofit organization Stop Foodborne Illness—can be aided by the establishment of a faster, more efficient, and modernized recall system.
Food safety is an active and ever-evolving process that is ripe for ongoing improvement. There are three main tools for building and transforming a company's food safety program: fundamentals, prevention, and culture. In recent years, Kerry has focused heavily on building a solid foundation—the "fundamentals." Effective communication is critical throughout the entire process and becomes the fourth building block.
Food safety has always been an important issue, but like workplace health and safety, its profile is growing and must be viewed as a business essential.
Soon, companies producing or handling foods on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Food Traceability List will be required to generate and maintain more detailed records under the proposed rule that aims to supercharge the traceability of foods. Traceability is a joint responsibility, and standardized data systems are the key to sharing supply chain details between stakeholders in a timely and efficient manner.