How is your preparation for FSMA going?
FSMA as a topic is making its way to almost every client discussion we have these days. Everyone is at a different point with preparation and the same is true for us. Teri has begun her 9 week training on Preventative Controls through Washington State University Extension and I will take a 3 day intensive course through Northwest Food Processors Association in June.
So what is FSMA? FSMA is the Food Safety and Modernization Act which was signed into law in 2011 and the regulation compliance requirements begin this year, 2016, in September. It intends to be the next step towards prevention within our federal food safety regulation. The goals of FSMA are to focus efforts on prevention of problems and implementing food safety controls throughout the supply chain.
Several people have done a great job summarizing the regulations, compliance timelines, and topics. Rather than attempt collating all of the details of the regulations, we’ve gathered together a few websites we found helpful when researching and monitoring FSMA. Below are our collection of helpful links:
Techhelp.org is a good resource for up to date information and they offer a series of different trainings on the FSMA by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable food safety experts on the west coast. If you weren’t aware, the FDA will require completion of specialized training for processors of human food and animal feed/pet food. Their next 3 day Preventative Control Qualified Individuals course begins May 23. http://www.techhelp.org/food-safety-modernization-act-information-training-compliance/
WattAgNet.com gives a clear, concise overview on the regulation and timing. The table below is handy summary of compliance dates from the article.
Follow this link for the full article at WattAgNet.com.
http://www.wattagnet.com/articles/24693-fsma-preventive-control-rules-outline-final-requirements
FDA.gov is the complete source for complete rulings and history of the regulations. The frequently asked questions section is helpful and you can see past webinars.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/default.htm
SQFI.com has some interesting information. For those of you using SQF standards, here’s a matrix comparing SQF and FSMA from the SQFI website.
SQF Level 2 | FDA Preventive Control Food Safety Plan (FSMA) | FDA GMPs (117 subpart B) | |
Overarching policy statement | Yes | No | No |
Written Plan | Yes | Yes | No |
Experienced individual in charge | Yes | Yes | No |
Trained Staff | Yes | Yes* | Yes |
Prerequisite Programs | Yes | No | Yes |
Raw material/ incoming product safety assurance | Yes | No | No |
Supplier Verification | Yes | Yes, in specific cases** | No |
Allergen Management | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Validation of Controls | Yes | Yes | No |
Finished product testing | No | Yes, in specific cases** | No |
Sanitation Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Environmental monitoring | Yes | Yes, in specific cases** | No |
Corrective Actions | Yes | Yes | No |
Traceability | Yes | No[1] | No |
Recall | Yes | Yes | No |
Records Retention | Yes | Yes | No |
Food Defense | Yes | No2 | No |
Internal Audit | Yes | No3 | No |
For more information on SQF or FSMA, check out their “Are you FSMA ready?” page on their website: http://www.sqfi.com/suppliers/fsma-resource-page/
If you find other sites to be helpful, please let us know. We are eager to see how the regulation roles out onto shop floors; we expect lots of learnings on all sides.