Rescue Plan For Food Exporters – 160 Companies In Breach Of FSMA
The new food safety law (Food Safety Modernization Act) in the US is beginning to impact foreign states. There are a myriad of rules to begin going into effect over the next three years as the FDA implements FSMA. One new rule set to take effect in the new year requires food processors to conform to new standards set out in FSMA.
The impact is simple, conform or your goods are barred entry into the US. The Jamaican government is the first of what is likely several government interventions to help food processors meet FSMA standards. The Jamaican government estimates that of the 200 companies affected by FSMA 80% or 160 are below the required standards. Jamaica exports $118million USD in food annually (common food exports include sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, coffee, & rum). Failing to meet FSMA standards is not an option for the Jamaican government, which has stepped in to assist food processors in meeting FSMA criterion.
Under the new rules set to take effect importers must use a foreign supplier verification program (FSVP) to ensure imported food is not adulterated or misbranded and is produced in accordance with FSMA’s hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls or standards for produce safety, as applicable. This rule takes effect in the new year and will be fully developed over the next two years. Although it is a work in progress companies must begin complying in the new year.
As new rules take effect over the next three years it’s crucial for food processors to closely track and implement the changes. The question now becomes what nation is next to fail FSMA’s import criteria?
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5 comments
Jamaican officials are very wise. If the food exporters want to sell their products in US markets, the standards of food safety must be satisfied.
The buying public is alerted to the danger of food which has not met these standards.
Many factors will contribute to safe food products including HACCP, quality control, quality assurance and product testing.
The testing of the products for human pathogens, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and others will, of course, be a very important component of those requirements.
Thank you very much,
Andy Moreno
Microbiological Systems Engineering
AME
Cell: 559-827-8245
andy.moreno@ame-qpcr.com
http://ame-qpcr.com
Linkedin: Andy Moreno
Founder: Food Pathogen Outbreak/Recall Response Group
Skype: andyzmoreno
Andy,
I agree. The Jamaican economy stands to lose a great deal if the exports are barred entry. FSMA is an important step towards protecting and informing the buying public. I’m sure as the import controls are further developed other nations will emerge as needing to step up food processors’ testing and quality control activities.
While all the exports would have a large impact in the economy the American public deserve to have the security of knowing the food that they purchase is safe and secure. FSMA was designed to meet this need.
Regards,
Pamela Sweeten
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