GFSI has opened a new public consultation related to auditor success designed to enhance auditor recruitment, qualifications and management. All interested parties are encouraged to review the materials at the provided link and provide feedback for the proposed system. GFSI Public Consultation
Today the European Union has earmarked $167 million to reimburse farmers for curbing yield and not harvesting vegetables intended for export to Russia. This in direct response to the recent announcement of sanctions against those involved in the ‘wrong’ side of the Ukraine situation. Say what you will about the politics of the events. That […]
Alas – here we go again. What does All Natural mean to you? The current adage is ask 10 people and get 10 different answers. Actually whether you know what all natural means also depends largely upon your background and your knowledge. As anyone who reads this site regularly, you know that my background is […]
Most of the country is coming into and out of periods of extreme cold. To some its normal to others its unusual – to all it causes a time for to slow down. The food industry is not immune to this experience. Livestock grow a bit slower (and eat a bit more), vegetable growers, even […]
So, you’ve received the results of your SQF audit. Pleased or disappointed with the results you’re probably wondering how you compare to others in your industry. SQFI does an outstanding job of presenting common non-conformitieis and offers the following for the 2012 audit year: Safe Quality Foods Top Ten Non Conformities 2.2.2.2 Records […]
Why do I love working in the food industry? The reasons are many but right at the top of that list is the wealth of talent that exists. Technology tends to get the gold star for forwarding thinking. The food manufacturers tend to plod behind – slow and steady. But when innovation takes place sometimes […]
How’s that for an attention getting headline? I’m certain that’s what the Washington Post was going for when they published this article in their on-line Politics page this morning. You can read the whole, fairly inaccurate and definitely sensational, article here. WAPO Article It took FSIS approximately 30 minutes before they found the article and […]
If the recent NSF study is to be believed it is the absolute dirtiest place in your home – a danger to yourself and all who reside with or visit you. Salmonella, E. Coli, Staph and the like are growing strong in your fridge, in your can opener and, in some cases, right there on […]
On June 28, 2013 FSIS published the updated guidelines for equine slaughter in the US. Less than 1 week later the first grant of inspection was announced to Valley Meats Company located in Roswell, NM with two more expected shortly. Animal Welfare groups immediately filed petitions to halt the anticipated slaughter stating that FSIS was […]
Just days after the global “March on Monsanto”, USDA-APHIS issued a press release stating that unapproved altered wheat was found growing in a field in Oregon. While questions remain as to the why and how – reports vary on local farmers reporting, spot testing by the government and the like – the fallout is likely […]