Citing six listeriosis outbreaks in the past decade, the FDA has released a new strategy and manufacturer fact sheet aimed at reducing foodborne outbreaks and illness associated with the consumption of soft fresh Queso Fresco-type cheeses.
The FDA sent a letter to manufacturers, packers, distributors, exporters, importers, and retailers involved in the manufacturing and distribution of powdered infant formula to share current safety information and call on the industry to take prompt action to improve processes and programs for the protection of our most vulnerable population.
“Under the Biden-Harris Administration and through historic funding investments, USDA continues to invest in research processing expansion that will create new and better markets and expand opportunities for small businesses and rural communities. This investment will help enable that vision.”
“We’ve heard loud and clear that the current resource distribution and operational model between the FDA’s regulatory programs and field operations are siloed and there’s too much duplication. We intend to fix this and strengthen both the regulatory programs and field force.”
The guidance documents do not impose legally enforceable requirements, but they can help stakeholders plan for potential changes that may impact their businesses and organizations. The agency anticipates it will publish many of the listed documents by January 2024.
Members of the FDA will discuss the recent draft guidance on lead action levels for foods intended for children less than two years of age, and address questions and comments submitted by industry.
The FDA does allow food companies to make health claims on their product labels, but manufacturers need to be aware of how those claims are worded as well as disqualifying ingredient levels that could put you in the crosshairs of regulators.
The Interagency Foodborne Illness Report identified Poultry, Vegetable Row Crops, Beef and Dairy among the highest risk food groups for pathogen contamination leading to consumer illness.
“We know that Salmonella in poultry is a complex problem with no single solution. However, we have identified a series of strategic actions FSIS could take that are likely to drive down Salmonella infections linked to poultry products consumption, and we are presenting those in this proposed framework.”
Understanding who—and what—is covered under the FDA Produce Safety Rule as well as your options when working with non-covered suppliers can help food manufacturers reduce the risk of receiving contaminated produce.
