The new SQF Fundamentals Verification Assessment is not classified as a standard SQF certification program, but it introduces an innovative approach to advance food safety capabilities.

Supply chain constraints are not a new challenge in the food industry. Food is a global market, and even the smallest food processor brings in food ingredients, packaging, and equipment from around the world. Included in this article are tips and tricks for managing inventory, supplier, and warehouse challenges for food manufacturing facilities.

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.

A recent study evaluated and compared the level of conformity with food safety requirements in cattle and pig slaughterhouses, for which large-scale and beef facilities scored better, on average.

It could be months before shoppers notice the impact of coronavirus on store shelves, but there’s a lot manufacturers and suppliers can do to mitigate any impact.