There are many ways to build a successful internal audit program. Taking the time upfront to identify the format, structure and team members is critical. In this article we discuss the key elements of a successful program and provide guidance to ensure that audits add value to the daily operations across the facility.
The first course, Food Safety Testing – Above & Beyond PCQI Principles, will include three 90-minute online classes, led by Trish Wester, President of the Association for Food Safety Auditing Professionals.
Cinnamon samples from Negasmart showed extremely high lead levels of 5110 ppm and 2270 ppm, as the FDA continues increased screening of imported cinnamon and its investigation to determine whether other products exported to the U.S. contain the cinnamon used in the recalled products.
A new dual-readout aggregation-induced emission nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was able detect E. coli O157:H7 earlier than quantum beads-LFIA and gold nanoparticle-LFIA when samples with low E. coli O157:H7 concentrations were cultured.
To date, there have been 11 reported illnesses, 10 hospitalizations and one death associated with the outbreak. On November 7, 2023, FDA matched samples of 2lb bagged peaches at The HMC Group Cold Storage in Kingsburg, California, to the outbreak strain via Whole Genome Sequencing.
The updates include instructions for annual environmental sampling of Cronobacter and Salmonella at powdered infant formula facilities and instruction for FDA notification should a sample test positive for Cronobacter or Salmonella, or if a sample is found to have nutrients that are above or below required levels per the agency’s infant formula regulation.
A recent study that tracked the investigation into a Salmonella outbreak in Quebec, Canada, found that contamination in a restaurant’s drain system—potentially caused by the extinguishment of a kitchen fire—led to the spread of the pathogen.
Stratified sampling of powdered products, such as infant formula, can increase the chances of catching Cronobacter contamination, while not requiring excessive sampling.
The company received nine IMV ServiceTrak Clinical Laboratory Awards in the categories of Immunoassay, ID/AST and Blood Culture excellence.
Panelists at the IAFP Conference “From Bench-top to Scale Up: The Unspoken Food Safety Challenges of Research and Development” session highlighted areas of regulatory and food safety risk during R&D, as well as potential solutions to prevent delays in bringing new products to market.