Over the past year, food safety has remained a top priority, even amidst the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. One significant milestone was the 10th anniversary of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which has been instrumental in promoting preventive measures to reduce foodborne illnesses. Despite the industry's focus on employee safety and supply chain logistics, maintaining high food safety standards has continued to be a critical concern.
In 2021, several notable developments shaped the landscape of food safety:
On April 23, 2021, the FASTER Act was signed into law, adding sesame to the list of major food allergens. This change requires sesame labeling on all regulated packaged foods starting January 1, 2023.
In May, the SQF Edition 9 Food Safety Codes, a globally recognized certification program, was updated with a stronger emphasis on preventing cross-contamination and improving hygienic design.
July brought new guidelines from the FSIS aimed at controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw poultry. These guidelines address sanitation and HACCP requirements in poultry processing facilities, highlighting the importance of combating these common bacterial pathogens responsible for many foodborne illness outbreaks in the U.S.
In September, the Retail Food Safety Association Collaborative launched an interactive U.S. Food Code Adoption Map. This collaborative effort brings together agencies like the FDA and CDC to minimize foodborne illness risks in retail settings, where over 60% of outbreaks occur.
October saw the inaugural New Era of Smarter Food Safety Summit on Retail E-Commerce Foods, which focused on strategies to prevent contamination during food delivery and other safety controls.
That same month, a multi-state outbreak linked to Salmonella Oranienburg in onions traced back to a Mexican farm led to widespread recalls. The CDC reported 892 cases across 38 states by November 12, emphasizing the importance of thorough cleaning practices to avoid cross-contamination.
As a provider of high-quality cleaning and hygiene equipment, Remco remains committed to supporting the food industry and its frontline workers in ensuring safety and sanitation. We hope for a healthier, more prosperous 2022 and wish everyone a joyful holiday season.
For further reading:
- Celebrating FSMA’s 10th Anniversary: Achievements and Future Prospects (remcoproducts.com)
- The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2021 | FoodSafety.gov
- Understanding SQF Edition 9 Changes from a Hygiene & Sanitation Perspective (remcoproducts.com)
- FSIS Guideline for Controlling Campylobacter in Raw Poultry | Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA)
- Home - Retail Food Safety Collaborative
- https://www.fda.gov/food/workshops-meetings-webinars-food-and-dietary-supplements/new-era-smarter-food-safety-summit-e-commerce-ensuring-safety-foods-ordered-online-and-delivered
- Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Oranienburg: Whole, Fresh Onions (October 2021) | FDA
At Remco, we value the dedication of those working tirelessly to keep our food safe. Here's to another year of progress and commitment to quality!
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