In 2011, congress enacted the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) as a means to combat foodborne illness that impacts 1 in 6 Americans annually. With the enforcement of FSMA, federal food safety regulations have shifted from reacting to food borne illness to prevention. FSMA guidelines require foodservice businesses of all sizes to implement a written preventive controls plan.
Building on the progress of FSMA, the FDA announced a New Era of Food Safety Blueprint, outlining how the agency will leverage new and emerging technologies including sensors and IoT to create a safer food system. Smarter food safety focuses on modern approaches, in addition to technology to “create a safer and more digital, traceable food system.”
Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the need for actions called for in the blueprint, particularly creating more digital-based record-keeping for the food system. Frank Yiannas, deputy commissioner for food policy and response for the Food and Drug Administration, notes: “It’s more important today than ever before in our history to work together to create a more digital, traceable and safer food system.”
Purpose-built for the foodservice industry from farm to retailer and every step in between, the easy-to-use customizable solution helps meet food safety guidelines and prevent inventory loss.