The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is now in effect, and inspectors are enforcing the updates. The regulations represents the first major change to food safety in over 80 years, and it shifts the focus of regulators and the food industry as a whole to being “proactive” instead of “reactive”.

Commodities impacted by the FSMA include:

• Food and beverage manufacturers
• Pet food manufacturers
• Distributors and Warehouses
• Importers
• Produce Farms & Packhouses
• Food ingredient manufacturers, such as: chemicals, flavors, preservatives, etc.

About FSMA and the Changes

Organizations must now comply with the Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls provision in the FSMA. This approach is covered under the Preventive Controls for Human Food Regulation and Animal Food Regulations (insert acronyms).

Companies must address key topics such as allergen control, food defense, pest control, hygiene, cleaning and sanitation.

NJMEP’s FSMA Experts

Future FDA inspections will include Food Safety, and HAACP & HARCP plans, and non-compliance with FSMA can lead to significant consequences including, but not limited to: higher penalties, loss of business and even factory closures.