Food safety update: Tools and resources for organic operations

“A food safety issue is really about brand protection; if enough problems occur, it could taint the entire industry.”

—Jim Topper, marketing development manager, Neogen Corp.

Part 1: How FSMA rules affect organic products, processors and importers

Highlights from Ram Balasubramanian, COO, Quality Certification Services (QCS):

• No. 1 goal is to make sure products coming into the U.S. are handled at the same level as those here.
• For producers and facilities in the U.S., a third-party audit is not required.
• It’s a good idea—though not required by the FDA—to have a written food safety plan in place; it’s an effective communication tool.
• Good news! There are now eight additional testing methods for agricultural water (vs. one in the past).
• U.S.-based importers must conduct a hazard analysis and verify their supply chains (FSVP).

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Part 2: A voice from the field

Highlights from Javier Zamora, Owner, JSM Organics:

• Nonprofits and certifiers like CCOF are helpful resources for small growers.
• “We’re not out there to make a lot of money: we’re there to grow food for ourselves and families around us.”
• It’s a collaborative effort with the rule makers and law enforcers; crew member education is also important.

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Part 3: Food safety tools and resources for organic food producers

Highlights from Jim Topper, marketing development manager, Neogen Corp.:

• Catch a food safety issue before it becomes a serious problem and endemic in your facility.
• Sanitation monitoring is the core of any food safety program.
• Meet the U.S. “big eight” food allergens and the components of a food allergen control plan (ACP).
• GMOs (and drift) are an obvious issue for the organic industry, even though the FDA doesn’t regulate their use.
• Whole genome sequencing and NGS: new technology that can extend shelf life and reduce food waste.

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Part 4: Q&A

Highlights:

• Small growers can take advantage of the flexibility in the FDA rules.
• United Fresh and Product Marketing Association are two groups working with growers to shape regulations and offer support.
• Sanitization as it applies to the National List (from NOP) and the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
• Listeria testing issues.
• Wildlife management issues on the farm.
• FSMA audits vs. other audits.

This session—Food Safety Update: Tools & Resources for Organic Operations—was recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2018.