How to build an effective environmental monitoring program and what are the factors to consider? Food Microbiology and Toxicology expert Prof. Ann Draughon offers some insights.
Norway Finds ‘Probable’ Case of Mad Cow Disease
A second positive test for bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE on a 15-year-old cow reinforced suspicions that it had mad cow disease, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute said.
How to Run an Audit-Ready Co-Pack Operation
If an auditor were to walk through your site today, would you be proud of its set-up and its ability to uphold quality and regulatory standards for yourself and your client?
Apple Recall – Here are 5 Fruits and Veggies at Greater Risk
“Fresh fruits and vegetables are probably the biggest source of foodborne illness today in North America, and that’s because they’re fresh — we don’t cook them — so anything that comes into contact has the potential to contaminate.”
Salmonella – Most Expensive Pathogen
The top 15 pathogens, which includes Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter and E. coli O157:H7, make up 95 percent of illnesses and deaths from food in the U.S.
Ask the Expert : Root Cause Analysis – Responding to Audit Non-Conformances
A food manufacturer’s food safety program must encourage continual improvement to their existing program in order to be successful and to comply with their food safety standard. And root cause analysis is a great tool for problem solving when a site is found not to be in conformance.
California Apple Packing Facility Linked to Listeria Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control has confirmed that two strains of Listeria monocytogenes found at Bidart Bros. facility in Shafter, CA, are identical to those in an outbreak that has sickened 34 in the U.S. and Canada, and killed at least three in the U.S.
FSMA: What to Expect in 2015
Companies should start preparing for FSMA immediately, caution two food safety experts. Between the proposed and final rule, there is some concern for not knowing the future, but companies should conduct FSMA assessments and build a roadmap for compliance on track with FDA timelines. So are you prepared?
John Kukoly of BRC Global Standards recently spoke about what changed with BRC standard this year, changes expected in 2015, how food facilities can prepare for these changes. Here are some excerpts.
From the auditor’s point of view, what’s most important when it comes to auditing your food safety plans and programs? What do they consider best practices for passing audits? What are the biggest no-no’s leading to deductions? SCS Global’s Sr. Technical Director and Auditor Heena Patel answers.
