Food Safety Consortium Conference

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Food Safety Tech and the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) are excited to announce that the 2025 Food Safety Consortium will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, from October 19-21. The 2025 event will focus on the convergence of policy, science, and best practices. With the conference being held near Washington, D.C., this year will place a renewed emphasis on policy discussions, reflecting the growing need to address regulatory and legislative issues. The program will also prioritize the sharing of best practices, offering attendees the chance to learn from one another and engage in collaborative problem-solving on hot-button issues.

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Why now is the time to prepare for FSMA 204

By Geoff Olsen
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Preparing for FSMA 204 requires a multifaceted approach that combines technology, data standardization, and employee engagement. By investing in solutions that streamline reporting, enhance data consistency, and bring employees along through training and education, F&B companies can position themselves for success. These actions will help ensure compliance with FSMA 204 and lead to more efficient, transparent, and resilient supply chains, ultimately improving food safety for consumers.

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Enhancing Food Safety: The Impact of FSMA’s Traceability Rule on the Supply Chain

By Jacob Olson
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The FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is designed to enhance food safety by establishing and regulating traceability requirements. The act mandates that all parties in the supply chain share critical information to address potential food safety issues. This article discusses FSMA requirements for comprehensive recordkeeping, including defining Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs). It highlights the crucial role of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in meeting compliance and optimizing food traceability. EDI automates data exchange, improves visibility, simplifies compliance, and enables rapid outbreak response. By investing in EDI technology, organizations can establish a strong foundation for complying with FSMA regulations and ensuring food safety.

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Beltway Beat

The Effectiveness of U.S. Food Laws Over Private Standards

By Sayed M Naim Khalid
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This paper compares U.S. food laws with GFSI standards, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. U.S. food laws provide a legally enforceable, standardized framework that ensures consumer protection and public accountability. Conversely, GFSI standards offer flexibility, global recognition, and industry-driven innovation, albeit at higher costs and with less enforcement power. The U.S. food safety system, despite its complexity, delivers robust protection through comprehensive federal regulations. A balanced approach that integrates the strengths of both systems could optimize food safety, leveraging legal enforcement and global industry standards.

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