Sharon Spielman

FDA extends comment period for food traceability proposed rule, info collection provisions

December 22, 2020

The FDA has extended the comment period for the proposed rule entitled “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods” and reopened the comment period for the information collection provisions until Feb. 22, 2021.

Regulatory Watch

USDA releases plan to decrease Salmonella in meat, poultry, eggs

The plan outlines efforts to reduce pathogen contamination and Salmonella infections associated with FSIS-regulated products

Sharon Spielman

October 20, 2020

The USDA releases a plan to reduce Salmonella infections from meat, poultry and eggs.

Novel no more: HPP grows with batch processing, new bulk juice handling

High pressure processing will continue to expand with increasing consumer demand for natural, fresh-tasting foods without preservatives

Sharon Spielman

September 22, 2020

Building on a foothold in batch guacamole processing, high pressure processing moves into bulk and grows in markets that require fresh taste with no preservatives and a long shelf life.

Food Safety

How processors are adapting to FSMA in its early years

What food and beverage manufacturers need to know to stay in compliance

Sharon Spielman

September 1, 2020

Food manufacturing businesses must comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)—the biggest food safety reform in seven decades, which affects the way our foods are grown, harvested and processed.

COVID-19 coverage

Pandemic prompts temporary policy changes

Facilities can use FDA guidance to comply with FSMA during the coronavirus crisis

Sharon Spielman

August 17, 2020

Just as companies are adapting and settling in to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its rules, enter the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Regulatory Watch

FDA outlines steps to help prevent recurring Salmonella outbreaks linked to papayas

Federal regulators issue second letter to papaya growers and others in the industry

Sharon Spielman

August 11, 2020

The FDA has issued a second letter to papaya growers, harvesters, packers, distributors, exporters, importers and retailers outlining a series of steps to help prevent recurring outbreaks of Salmonella linked to papayas.

Supply chains

Food fraud is not only an economic drain but also a supply chain safety concern

Sharon Spielman

July 24, 2020

Guarding against food fraud in the supply chain can be a costly, resource-intensive effort—but the potential effects of not catching it can be disastrous.

Food quality plans help meet demand, maintain quality certifications

Sharon Spielman

July 21, 2020

Consumers expect their food to be safe, and there are methodologies to ensure that it is. Quality is a bit of a different story, but it's just as important when it comes to consumer expectations.

Regulatory Watch

FDA, USDA issue recommendations for PPE shortage during COVID-19 pandemic

Sharon Spielman

July 14, 2020

The FDA and USDA have released recommendations to help address shortages of personal protective equipment, cloth face coverings, disinfectants and sanitation supplies in the food and agriculture industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Don't overlook safety issues such as slips and falls, PPE and cleaning/sanitizing during the pandemic

Sharon Spielman

May 20, 2020

Food and beverage employees on the front line need to remain safe and healthy to continue to bring the food and beverage supply to the masses during the COVID-19 pandemic.