Healthy People 2020 Reviews Progress on Food Safety Objectives

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to production of food safety

The Healthy People 2020 initiative recently held a public webinar to update stakeholders on progress toward food safety objectives.

Addressing the goals to reduce infections from pathogens commonly transmitted through food, the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), cited new tools provided under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The mandatory recall authority was used twice in 2013 to remove Salmonella-tainted pet treats.

For Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, the FSIS tests a broader range of source products for ground beef, has instituted sampling for 0:157 STECs, has incorporated new methodologies into outbreak investigations, and proposed regulations to label products containing mechanically tenderized beef. Also developing guidance for retail markets to help reduce Listeria contamination and a possible retail enforcement strategy.

To address preventing an increase in the proportion of non typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter jejuni isolates in humans that are resistant to antimicrobial drugs, the FDA’s plan to phase out the use of certain antibiotics in food animals.

A focus on reducing severe allergic reactions to food among adults has led FDA to modernize Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to protect against allergen cross-contact, develop improved methods for the accurate measurement of allergens in complex foods, and tackle problematic food combinations such as undeclared milk in dark chocolate. FSIS took steps to refocus inspectors’ attention to potentially allergenic ingredients and now believes it has made an impact in reducing the number of recalls related to undeclared allergens.

And, to help increase the number of consumers following key food safety practices, FDA launched mobile-compatible versions of its site and FoodSafety.gov. 

Source:http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/01/healthy-people-2020-progress/#.UtQCedLuJyx