SafetyChain Blog

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There’s no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world as we know it. But what is AI, really, and how will artificial intelligence in food safety evolve?

This year has seen a significant rise in Form 483s following FDA site visits. Plant management is getting caught off-guard when on-site auditors fixate on items that seemingly weren't in the scope of previous audits. If the FDA sees a product on hold for something out of range, they may ask if internal food safety investigations are in motion and if appropriate action is being taken. 

The rapid evolution of today’s global food market and the rate of new food trends means manufacturers are constantly at risk of violating food safety standards. The 2022 FDA Food Code was released in January 2022 and provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for ensuring the safety of food products amidst all these changes.

The food and beverage industry is no stranger to changing regulations and requirements. However, the rapid evolution of today’s global food market and the rate of new food trends means manufacturers are constantly at risk of violating food safety standards.

Every manufacturer is familiar with Root Cause Analysis (RCA), yet even with well-known methods in place, plant management can struggle to identify incident trends and pinpoint areas of improvement. While you can’t improve anything that isn't measured and analyzed, misguided analysis can have adverse effects on operations and prevent safety improvements necessary to produce high-quality products. 

The number one reason for food-related recalls is due to product labeling mistakes. These mistakes are typically a result of the ever-changing food labeling regulations that continue to evolve and become more complex, forcing many manufacturers to quickly update their current operating practices. Without the proper checks in place, incorrect product information is being sent out. The risk of a label error goes beyond a recall - if not quickly detected, it could impact consumer health (for example, an undisclosed allergen), damaging your brand reputation.

Manufacturers are always at risk of recall because at any time, at any location along the supply chain, the FDA may sample a product for contamination.  Recall preparation involves more input and supply chain alignment than HACCP plans. This is mainly because recalls have elements that manufacturers cannot control, whereas HACCP plans run on their own if production is stable.

In November, the FDA released the final Food Traceability Rule, detailing the requirements for record-keeping of foods on the Food Traceability List (FTL). The purpose of the Food Traceability Rule is to make it faster and easier for the FDA and other regulators to pinpoint locations in the supply chain where food contamination occurs. 

During a FSMA presentation covering updates to PFAS regulations, the Director of Food Safety at the Acheson Group, Dr. Brent Kobielush, shared updates to PFAS regulations in an effort to equip attendees with the information needed to operate their companies proactively and feel prepared for the future.