Snack World - May 1, 2011 - (Page 12)

Government Affairs Change Ahead New law requires companies to develop detailed food safety plans BY BOB GATTY he Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 (FSMA) “is the most important food safety law in our lifetime,” according to a former top Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official, now an adviser to the food industry. “This will change the entire landscape of what is regulated by the FDA,” said Joseph Levitt, a partner at Hogan Lovells US LLP, a colleague of Martin J. Hahn, who is also a partner at that firm and SFA general counsel. At SNAXPO 2011 in Orlando, FL, Mr. Levitt detailed specific responsibilities that food manufacturers will have T Specifically, food companies will need to show that they made corrective actions any time that a problem occurred. “If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen,” he warned. He also cautioned that companies must make sure suppliers comply with the law. The law provides FDA with recall powers and tools to police imports, as well as a risk-based system to conduct food safety inspections. The measure, which was supported by SFA in its final form, also recognizes the crucial role that food companies play budget includes $183 million for implementation of the law. Additional funding will be subject to the congressional appropriations process. SFA president and CEO Jim McCarthy said the association supports efforts to protect its customers from unsafe food products and substances, and it works hard to ensure that members and consumers are kept up to date on governmental food safety regulations and requirements. SFA will continue to work with federal agencies in implementing the provisions of under the new law, including the need to create a detailed food safety plan and an accompanying recordkeeping system so required information can be provided to FDA inspectors when they come calling. “Verification is going to be a big deal,” Mr. Levitt said. 12 Snack World May 2011 www.sfa.org in food safety, including the requirement for companies to develop food safety plans and document controls. Implementation of FSMA will require additional funding — up $1.4 billion over five years, according to projections from the Congressional Budget Office. FDA’s funding request in the proposed fiscal year 2012 the FSMA that impact the food manufacturing and processing sector and its customers, Mr. McCarthy said. For more information from Hogan Lovells on the impact of this new law, visit www.sfa. org and click on “Members.” To review Mr. Levitt’s presentation, visit www.sfa. org/mstevens/Food_Safety_ Presentation.pdf. sw http://www.sfa.org http://www.sfa.org/mstevens/food_safety_presentation.pdf http://www.sfa.org/mstevens/food_safety_presentation.pdf http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - May 1, 2011

Snack World - May 1, 2011
Contents
Letter from SFA - Progress and Advocacy
Supplier’s Corner - Onward and Upward
Government Affairs - SFA on the March
Government Affairs - Change Ahead
State of the Industry Report - Brands are Back
For More Research on Snacks
Natural Chips Reign Supreme
Top Potato Chip Brands
TORTILLA CHIPS - Tackling Hot Trends
PRETZELS - Healthy and Beyond
SNACK CRACKERS - The More Healthful Snack
Top Pretzel Brands
Top Snack Cracker Brands
COOKIES - Decadently Healthy
CORN SNACKS - The Scoop on Corn Chips
Top Corn Snack Brands
SNACK NUTS & SEEDS - Investing in Innovation
Top Nut, Seed and Corn Nut Brands
CHEESE SNACKS - Say Cheese to New Snacks
Top Cheese Snack Brands
PORK RINDS - Still on a Fast Track
Top Pork Rind Brands
MEAT SNACKS - Meating High Expectations
Top Meat Snack Brands
READY-TO-EAT POPCORN - Expanding Indulgence
Top RTE Popc orn/Caramel C orn Brands
MICROWAVE POPCORN - Convenience and Health
OTHER SALTED SNACKS - Catch-all Segment Builds With Variety
Top Microwave Popcorn Brands
Top Other Salted Snack Brands
SALSA AND DIPS - Salsa Dips, Dips Rise
Top Salsa and Dip Brands
Innovative and Educational …
Earl Wise Sr. Enters Circle of Honor
Overheard at SnaxPro
Get Ready for SNAXPO 2012: Celebrating 75 Years
New Snacks
Products & Services
Ad Index

Snack World - May 1, 2011