In honor of World Food Day (June 7) and all of our producers, growers, packagers and other businesses responsible for feeding the world, we “unjarred” a lineup of bite-size food manufacturing information… including several exciting and upcoming virtual food-safety training, FDA news & guidelines, upcoming grant opportunities, industry data, and other newsworthy food business notes.
First and foremost—thank you for feeding us! When so many of us were fearful of running out of food or not having access to it, thousands of products and SKUs remained on the shelves in grocery stores and at farmers markets to feed our families. We appreciate your dedication to continuing to grow, produce and package the products we love and rely on. We also salute the heroism of your workers who showed up to keep things moving – serving as the lifeline for so many communities and households. We also consider these folks as “frontline workers” when it comes to meeting the Covid-19 challenge. Thank you, Missouri food manufacturers!
In this Issue:
- Celebrating World Food Safety Day
- Coming soon – FDA’s Blueprint for the Future
- Temporary Covid-19 Preventive Controls & Verification Policy
- Virtual HACCP Training for Meat Producers & Processors
- Virtual Better Process Control School for Acidic Foods
- SQF Practitioner Training
- Agriculture Grant Opportunities
- Online Grocery Shopping
- Food Manufacturing Economic Report
- Important Food Safety Links
World Food Safety Day (June 7)
#DYK about 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illness each year? This World Food Safety Day get the facts about food safety and protect your customers and your products.
New Era of Smarter Food Safety
The agency is currently developing a Strategic Blueprint that will outline how FDA plans to leverage technology, and other tools, to create a more digital, traceable, and safer food system.
Temporary Covid-19 Preventive Controls & Verification Policy
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the FDA is not enforcing requirements in three food regulations to conduct onsite audits of food suppliers if other supplier verification methods are used instead.
Upcoming Safety Training Programs:
Virtual HACCP Training for Meat Producers & Processors
To help the Missouri companies working in the meat and poultry industry, we will hold a 4-day virtual training session to certify staff members under HACCP. Join us virtually on June 19th!
Virtual Better Process Control School for Acidic Foods
This two-day online training provides the practical application of the principles set forth by FDA regulations, which also apply to low-acid canned companion animal foods. This school is specifically designed for individuals with little or no food science or food safety background. Join us virtually on June 23rd!
SQF Practitioner Training
Barring an increase in social distancing and other health safety measures, we WILL plan to hold an in-person SQFI-designed course towards the end of the summer. This Safe Quality Food training is best suited for implementation teams, internal auditors, quality managers and supervisors, growers, processors, suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, importers, consultants, trainers and anyone interested in learning about the SQF program. Join us on August 11th!
Upcoming Grant Opportunities:
Value-Added Grant Program
This program provides grants for projects that add value to Missouri agricultural products and aid the economy of a rural community. If approved, applicants can use the grant for expenses related to the creation, development and operation of a value-added agricultural business including: feasibility studies, marketing studies, legal assistance, marketing plans, business plans, prospectus development for cooperatives, and operational consulting. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. October 1, 2020. Need help writing the grant? Contact your ABM.
Farm to Table Grant Program
This program provides funding for Missouri businesses to access resources for accessing and processing locally grown agricultural products for use in institutions within the state. Grant applications will be considered from small businesses for resources including, but not limited to: coolers, freezers, washing equipment, bagging equipment, packing equipment, professional services for Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Analysis (HACCP) plan development. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. October 1, 2020. Need help writing the grant? Contact your ABM.
Importance of Food Manufacturing in Missouri
Food manufacturers make a significant contribution to the Missouri economy, both directly and indirectly. DYK the industry provides jobs to more than 41,000 Missourians and exports products to consumers around the globe worth $1.37B a year? Supporting food manufacturers is our job. Our experts can turn over every stone to find ways to improve your company and increase competitiveness. Let us know if we can partner with you on your journey.
Food Manufacturing Safety Links:
- CDC/OSHA guidance for manufacturing workers and employers
- CDC and OSHA guidance for meat and poultry processors
- Meat and Poultry Processing Facility Assessment Toolkit
Missouri Enterprise – The Show-Me State’s Food Manufacturing Experts
The “Food Safety in the Heartland” partnership, which includes Missouri Enterprise, MAMTC and the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, is an initiative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network that includes Missouri Enterprise and MEP centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This coalition has been brought together to help food manufacturers with food safety. Food safety covers such a broad range of issues that it’s almost impossible for one person to be an expert in everything. With the coalition’s combined resources, Missouri Enterprise is able to cover any challenge you may face.