It’s 2015, and along with the new year will likely come the evolution of food labeling regulations by both the FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) and the FDA. While there have been improvements in labeling in past years, 2015 promises to bring finalization of some of the regulation and labeling standard alterations set forth in 2014 and prior years, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
What can manufacturers expect in 2015? Manufacturers will have updated training programs available to assist with maintaining compliance; in addition, manufacturers can expect inspection programs designed to assure quality throughout the manufacturing process. This year, it is expected that the rules for Preventive Controls for Human Food, Preventive Controls on Animal Food, and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program will release finalized rules. In addition, the release of the final rules for the Food Safety Modernization Act is anticipated.
While the FSIS division of the USDA is expected to focus primarily on foodborne pathogens and their prevention, it is expected that the Food Safety and Inspection Service will present changes that are even more extensive. According to its annual performance plan for 2015, the FSIS intends to finalize the Interim rules regarding Lideria monocytogenes, follow up on planning for voluntary food defense, and enhance the Public Health Information System. It also intends to focus on the improvement of instructions in already existing directives and notices for development of new policies.
In order to avoid additional struggles and potential fines in 2015, manufacturers will need to comply with management of updated labeling and optimization of the supply chain. While standards continue to evolve, manufacturers will be able to enhance safety practice efficiency while maintaining productivity, both critical for coming regulatory change planning and operational quality.
As a trusted global supplier of industrial coding and marking solutions, REA JET realizes the importance of updates in food labeling regulations, both from the manufacturing and consumer standpoint. Regardless of how labeling rules change this year and in coming years, you can rely on us for the latest equipment for marking of ingredients, nutritional information, barcodes, best-by dates, and other critical information for packaging.