Food Safety Modernization Act: Highlights for pig producers and feed manufacturers
It may only be June but many feed mills are currently gearing up for the September 18th deadline to be compliant with the newly installed Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA. This new federal regulation was actually put into law in January of 2011 but feed mills are just now needing to be compliant. Though FSMA may seem like another government mandate with increased paperwork and red tape, it will actually help our industry provide total transparency in the food chain from the field, to the feed mill, to the pig, and to our consumer’s plate. We’ve put together a list of a few of the Frequently Asked Questions we’ve been getting on FSMA.
1. What is FSMA?
FSMA stands for Food Safety Modernization Act. Many have called the new regulation the “most sweeping reform of our food safety laws in more than 70 years”. The aim of FSMA is to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus of federal regulators from responding to contamination to preventing it. This new regulation considers all feed mills “food grade facilities” similar to the pet food industry.
2. Who must comply with the rule and who is exempt?
All toll mills must comply if they make feed for sale, and most “on-farm” mills must comply as well. Farm mills would be considered exempt if: Both the mill and pig sites are under “one management group”. It is important to note that contract growers are not considered to be under the same management group and associated feed mills would not be exempt.
3. How do I become compliant with FSMA?
The first step to becoming compliant with FSMA is practicing the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP’s). CGMP’s ensure feed is manufactured in a safe manner using proper manufacturing practices. Examples of these would be: utilizing shatter proof lighting above feed manufacturing areas, and having staff wear proper safety equipment when running the mill. For a more detailed list please contact Jon De Jong with PGF Nutrition (contact below). CGMP’s are the first step to become compliant with FSMA. Most mills will need to be compliant with CGMP’s by September 18, 2017.
The second step to becoming compliant with FSMA is having a Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Penetrative Control plan. This is a written program specialized to each mill demonstrating risks and risk mitigation strategies, as well as preventative controls in place at the mill. For example: The mill must have a plan in place to handle potential recalls on feed and feed ingredients. Depending on size, most mills will need to be compliant by September 18, 2018.
In general, FSMA asks feed mills and feed mill operators to demonstrate they are maintaining accurate and timely feed and feed medication records, manufacturing feed in a safe manner, and implementing a written biohazard analysis plan.
Today PGF Nutrition is committed to helping our farmers become compliant with the new regulations. If you need assistance or have any questions feel free to contact the PGF Nutrition Team at 507-215-5582 or jon.dejong@pipestone.com
