The FDA is initiating a new approach to smarter FOOD SAFETY that will use technology and other methods in order to create a more digitized traceable food system. Simplicity and modernization are also keys in the development of this “smarter food safety” along with effective leadership and additional education in the area of food safety culture. The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the need for change and for better working relationships between government organizations, industry and public health officials and the FDA is taking action.
Imagine being sure your food is safe?
Consider the following “what if” scenarios:
What if you could scan produce in a grocery store and know immediately where it came from and if you are in jeopardy from consuming it? Is it part or a recall or foodborne illness?
What if you could comfortably eat in a restaurant and not worry because you know that the workers have used safe-food handling practices – not because they are told to but because a solid food safety-culture is automatic and second nature to them?
What if you could receive a text message that alerts you to a recent purchase you made that is now being recalled? How helpful would that be?
What if you knew that the water used to grow the tomatoes you are buying was safe because it was monitored at the farm level in real-time using a sensor monitor on a smart device?
These are all achievable and part of the new approach to food safety. This blueprint outlines the approach FDA will take over the next decade to usher in the New Era of Smarter Food Safety.
There are four core elements involved:
Core Element 1 – Tech-enabled traceability
Core Element 2 – Smarter tools and approached for prevention and outbreak response
Core Element 3 – New business models and retail modernization
Core Element 4 – Food Safety Culture
These are the building blocks that when used together will help create a safer environment in the areas of food harvesting, production, distribution and traceability. The FDA believes these are all achievable goals, but they cannot do it alone. This will be successful as long as food companies, government agencies, technology firms and consumers come together to utilize available technological advances and approaches to keeping our food safe.
As a start, on Sept 21, 2020, the FDA proposed establishing additional traceability recordkeeping (in addition to what is already required in existing regulations) for companies that manufacture, process, pack or hold foods that the FDA has designated for foods on the Food Traceability List. This is a key part of the New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint and if approved will implement section 204(d) of the FSMA – the Food Safety Modernization Act.
It will help the FDA identify recipient of adulterated food and help to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks. The proposed rule will be available for public comment for 120 days following publication in the Federal Register.
“Working together and thinking outside the box, we’ll create a more digital, traceable and safer food system that advances food safety, improves the quality of life for consumers in this country and all over the world, and better prepares us for unexpected events that could impact the food supply.”
