Reg Flags

January 19/Washinton/The Food Institute -- The FDA is implementing the most sweeping reforms of the nation's food safety rules in over 70 years, which has led to an influx of comments from the industry and the public. Through mid-January, FDA had already received 614 comments on various aspects of the proposed regulations, according to The Food Institute. “Knowing that these new regulations will have a substantial impact on the way companies do business for years to come, the food industry has been very vocal regarding the new rules, as it looks to work with the FDA in further ensuring the safety of the U.S. food supply," commented Brian Todd, president/CEO of The Food Institute.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law by President Obama just over a year ago, and while FDA has made substantial progress since then, the industry awaits several proposed rules, including an integral one on the safety of fresh produce, which will likely be in excess of 125 pages. Already delayed by several weeks, The Food Institute reports that FDA will likely not release three additional proposed rules until early February. The rules nearing release focus on Hazard Analysis & Preventive Controls for Human Food and Animal Feed/Pet Food; and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program.

For more information, contact Doreen Pfeiffer, 201-791-5570, ext. 218, The Food Institute, http://www.foodinstitute.com

The Food Institute will sponsor a 90-minute webinar on February 6, 2012, from 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST to review the latest proposed rules. Robert Hahn and Jolyda Swain, partners with Washington, D.C.-based firm OFW Law, will guide attendees through these complex new laws. Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada, coordinator for the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, will share his vast knowledge on the subject matter with all in attendance. This webinar will deliver the most updated information and analysis and is designed for anyone in need of the most up-to-date information pertaining to food safety. Register online at http://www.foodinstitute.com/FSMAwebinar.cfm.

From the January 19, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.

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