|
Cereals: Vendor Quality: A First Line of Defense R. F. Stier. Sonoma, CA, U.S.A. Cereal Foods World 56(5):219-221. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2010 mandates several new requirements for food processors: hazard analysis and identification of preventive controls; supply chain management; records maintenance and access; assessment of potential hazards that may be intentionally introduced; and traceability. Each of these mandates is an element that should be included in every processor’s food quality and safety program. They are also elements that are included in almost all third-party audits. There are no current regulations that define supply chain management. Rather than wait for the final regulations, it would behoove processors to look at what they are currently doing and either start building a program or determine whether their current program can be improved in any way. A vendor quality program should address all items that are purchased, including chemicals with the greatest emphasis placed on raw materials, ingredients, and packaging materials. A vendor quality program must include vendor selection, vendor approval, maintenance of the vendor program, and evaluation of how the program is performing. Processors need to review and evaluate the efficacy of their programs on a regular schedule.
|