Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024 - 24

Section
204
An eye on risk
Other changes to food safety regulations and processes that could
be afoot following full deployment of Section 204 include a more
risk-based approach to food safety management that prioritizes
resources and interventions based on the level of risk posed by
different types of food products and production processes.
There would also likely be efforts to harmonize food safety
regulations with international standards, which would facilitate
trade while ensuring consistent levels of safety for imported and
exported food products. And, given trade group support for an
extension of the roll out (see sidebar), the industry may launch
public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about food
safety risks and how to minimize them.
High on the list of FDA efforts is the move toward product-level
traceability, according to several experts.
" The food traceability rule ends at the receiving dock of Retail
Food Establishments. With Sunrise 2027, the global supply chain
initiative to move to two dimensional barcodes that carry more
information, improvements in technology, and consumer demand,
one could imagine traceability extending to the item instead of
the shipment, pallet or case, " said Andrew Kennedy, principal
traceability advisor for iFoodDS, a food safety management
solution provider.
Companies in the extended fresh food supply chain are working
hard to address what comes next in food safety. Trading
partners are embracing emerging technologies, enhancing
regulatory compliance and fostering a culture of transparency
and accountability, so all stakeholders can better navigate the
complexities of the modern food supply chain and uphold the
highest standards of safety and quality.
" The supermarket industry has devoted many resources towards
guidance and best practices for retailers and wholesalers to use
within their facilities and with their suppliers, " said Laura Strange,
chief communications and engagement officer and senior vice
president at National Grocers Association. " Moving forward
there will be a need for additional collaboration to develop a more
practical framework that ensures industry compliance while
maintaining our commitment to food safety and illness prevention
as top priorities. NGA and independent community grocers across
the country are fully committed to working collaboratively with
industry partners and government to address ongoing concerns and
developing common sense solutions. "
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add categories to the FTL, requiring companies to extend
their traceability efforts to these new products.
" Anticipated changes to FSMA Section 204 could
significantly impact food retailers. Possible developments
include an expanded Food Traceability List, a growing
emphasis on digital traceability systems and efforts to
harmonize traceability across the food industry, " said Joe
Smirlies, senior vice president of product management
at Invafresh, a retail technology company focused on
the management of fresh food. " Retailers must adapt to
these changes, stay informed about nuanced scenarios
and invest in digital platforms to comply with evolving
regulations. "
" As FSMA 204 enforcement continues, effective
traceability practices may provide a competitive
advantage, influencing consumer preferences and
market dynamics. Retailers should view traceability as
both a compliance necessity and a strategic tool for
informed sourcing decisions, enhancing consumer trust
in a changing regulatory landscape. "
Innovation's role
In the era of digitalization and technological
advancement, the future of food safety in fresh food
retailing is intricately intertwined with innovation.
ColleenMichaels - stock.adobe.com
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024

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