FSMA: An Unknown for Many Small Companies

With the first compliance deadlines in effect Monday, Sept. 19, it seems that there could soon be a number of companies operating outside the law – if an article on NBC Montana is any indication of the nation's knowledge.

According to the article, "Federal food safety law will impact Montana manufacturers" by  Christopher Salas, NBC Montana found only one business in Kalispell, Mont., that even knew about the Food Safety Modernization Act. On the positive side, the article also notes that there are currently no businesses in Montana who have more than 500 employees, so their compliance date will be phased in over the next two years.

However, Sales opening sentence is one that every food facilities across the U.S. needs to heed:  "A warning for anyone who makes a food product and sells it -- if you don't follow a new federal law you could lose your business or end up behind bars."

The article goes on to quote food and process specialist Claude Smith who teaches a course for Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQI) who are required to write and implement the food safety plan required by FSMA's Preventive Controls rule. As far as Smith knows, he is the only person in Montana with PCQI training, but he has to cancel a course he'd scheduled in the Flathead because no one registered.

In the Flathead Smith had to cancel a course he scheduled. No one signed up.

Read the full story at NBCMontana.