As we approach 2019, it's important to reflect on the key regulatory updates, global news, and company developments that took place in 2018. While looking ahead to the new year, understanding what happened last year helps us better prepare for the future.
**FSMA Final Rule Compliance Dates – 2018 and Beyond**
The 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been instrumental in shifting the focus of food safety from reactive to preventive measures. One of its main goals is to ensure that food facilities comply with one or more of the seven published FSMA Final Rules. By September 17, 2018, all qualified facilities were required to meet the requirements of the Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) rule under 21 CFR 117.
Looking ahead to 2019, several key compliance dates are set:
1. **Produce Safety – January 28**: Small farms and very small sprout farms must comply by this date.
2. **Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) – March 18**: Importers of human and animal food from small and very small foreign suppliers need to be compliant.
3. **Intentional Adulteration – July 26**: Large businesses must adhere to this rule.
4. **FSVP – July 29**: Importers of produce from small foreign farms and sprouts from very small foreign farms must comply.
5. **Preventive Controls for Animal Food – September 17**: This is the final deadline for all qualified facilities to meet the requirements.
For more information on FSMA regulations, visit the FDA website at [www.fda.gov](https://www.fda.gov) and refer to the FSMA Final Rules Key Dates document at [this link](https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/UCM568798.pdf).
**Recent Updates on Global Food Safety Standards**
The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) continues to play a vital role in improving food safety systems worldwide. Here are some key updates on major certification programs:
- **FSSC 22000 Version 4.1** (Auditable: Jan 1, 2018): Introduced unannounced audits and food fraud prevention clauses.
- **SQF Food Safety Codes Edition 8** (Auditable: Feb 2, 2018): Updated to cover all levels of the supply chain.
- **ISO 22000:2018**: Published in June 2018, featuring a consistent High-Level Structure (HLS).
- **SQF Fundamentals Edition 1** (Published: June 2018): Designed for smaller suppliers aiming to improve their food safety programs.
- **IFS Food Version 6.1** (Auditable: July 1, 2018): Added a new section on food fraud prevention.
- **BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, Issue 8** (Auditable: Feb 1, 2019): Emphasizes management commitment and improved food defense.
For more details, visit [mygfsi.com](https://www.mygfsi.com/).
**Food Safety News Recap – 2018**
2018 was marked by several significant food safety incidents, including multiple recalls and outbreaks across the U.S. and globally. Notable events include:
- Shelled eggs contaminated with *Salmonella Braenderup*
- Ready-to-eat deli ham contaminated with *Listeria monocytogenes*
- Romaine lettuce contaminated with *E. coli O157:H7*
In South Africa, a severe Listeriosis outbreak lasted 14 months, resulting in over 1,056 cases and 214 deaths. The source was traced back to a ready-to-eat sausage called Polony from Enterprise Foods.
On June 13, 2018, Canada introduced the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), aligning with FSMA principles. These rules will come into effect on January 15, 2019, and offer Canadian exporters an opportunity to demonstrate compliance with U.S. standards.
**Company Updates**
Remco’s Business Development team achieved SQF Edition 8 Practitioner qualification, enhancing their ability to provide expert guidance to customers. Their training was conducted by an FSPCA-qualified food safety specialist.
Additionally, Remco and Vikan have introduced three new colors—lime, gray, and brown—to 35 of their popular products. Vikan will produce 24 tools, while Remco will release 11 new items. A Color-Coding Toolkit has also been launched to support customers.
Stay tuned for more timely food safety updates and insights in 2019. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn for the latest news from Remco Products.
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