WTO Announces Release of Food Safety Database
The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently unveiled a searchable database of member governments’ measures. The SPS Information Management System (SPS IMS) is a comprehensive source allowing users to track and obtain information on measures that member governments have submitted to the WTO, specific trade concerns that they have raised, documents of the WTO’s sanitary and phytosanitary measures committee, member governments’ national inquiry contacts, and the authorities who handle notifications.
This tool documents food, animal and plant safety measures worldwide and can help managers meet new export criteria, or find out if there could be a problem with a particular ingredient sourced from a region.
The SPS Information Management System is available at http://spsims.wto.org.
AIB’s Food Defense Plan Helps Create Comprehensive Food Defense Plans for Facilities
In recent years, food defense has been an increasingly hot topic. Today more and more regulatory agencies, customers and third-party inspectors are asking for some type of food defense plan to be developed and implemented in food facilities.
The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) agreement requires regulated facilities to develop a security plan. USDA inspectors are now reviewing these during visits. Food companies involved with the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program also must implement a Food Defense Plan. Although FDA does not require a food defense plan at this time, its inspectors do discuss security during regular GMP visits.
AIB’s Food Defense Plan Template will help you meet government- and customer-imposed requirements and develop a food defense plan that incorporates the specific physical and procedural needs of your facility. A companion document is included with the template to answer any questions that may arise while assessing your needs and developing a food defense plan. This electronic template allows users to fill in the blanks and include additional information to create a detailed plan.
For more information or to order online, go to: www.aibfooddefense.org.
FSIS Launches New Web Page Designed for Small and Very Small Plants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has added one more way to stay informed about small and very small plant issues with the launch of a Web page dedicated to these establishment categories.
The site was developed to address one of the key action items included in the FSIS Strategic Implementation Plan for Strengthening Small and Very Small Plant Outreach.
The new Web page covers topics such as current food safety resources, regulatory policies, contact information, compliance guidelines, common questions and export information. It also covers FSIS directives and notices, newsletters and magazines. One highlight is a feature titled “What Do You Need to Know Today?” which will cover frequently asked questions from small plants.
The site can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov.