Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series focused on dust hazard analysis. In this article, we focus on the dust hazard analysis process. In our next issue, we will take a look at how to put the analysis into practice at your food plant. Confused about the dust hazard analysis (DHA) process? You’re not alone. Many bakers and food processors have questions about DHA requirements. Here’s what you need to know and how to get it done. Why Do You Need a Dust Hazard Analysis? A DHA is required for facilities that handle combustible dust, which includes most food processing facilities. Dry ..read more

The supply chains that industries rely on to carry products around the world are undergoing a seismic transformation. Upheavals triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and its seemingly never-ending repercussions continue to impede the flow of goods in every sector, including the global food supply. Shoppers are no longer surprised to discover that their favorite grocery products are out of stock; even restaurants are reporting availability issues that affect their menu offerings on a daily basis. Unpredictable supply timelines can cripple the provision of goods across all industries, impacting pro ..read more

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into the ongoing shortage of infant formula in the country. The inquiry seeks information from the public regarding the nature and prevalence of any deceptive, fraudulent, or otherwise unfair business practices during the shortage. A statement from FTC chair Lina M. Khan said that the agency will examine whether any formula manufacturers or distributors are engaging in unlawful discrimination that may be limiting remaining infant formula supplies at smaller retailers. The agency says it will also examine the pattern of mergers and ..read more

Ethylene oxide (EO) is a colorless gas widely used to preserve dry food. Residues of EO and its degradation products need to be monitored since their consumption negatively impacts human health. Ethylene oxide poses challenges for analysts as a small and highly volatile molecule. This means that special precautions must be taken during sample preparation to avoid analyte losses through evaporation. A comprehensive workflow from sample extraction to highly sensitive GC-MS/MS analysis is presented, meeting regulatory compliance according to the SANTE validation criteria for pesticides residues i ..read more

Keeping foods and beverages at recommended temperatures is a critical factor while they are in storage. But how do we make sure they are continuously stored correctly and are safe for the consumer? Any company that handles food must meet mandated requirements to safely store, move, and ship their goods. This requires checking temperature data at frequent intervals to make sure they meet FDA regulations for continuous storage conditions and provides proof that those thresholds weren’t exceeded. When monitoring technology isn’t available, temperatures must be checked by someone who, with a clipb ..read more

An ad hoc committee under the auspices of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will examine challenges in the supply, market competition, and regulation of infant formula in the U.S. The project is sponsored by FDA. The study will explore the current state of the country’s infant formula market, including the diversity of manufacturers; the types of formulas they produce (e.g., non-specialty or specialty, powdered, or liquid); manufacturing facilities, production, and production capacity; the amounts of infant formula produced domestically and the amounts impor ..read more

In January 2023, FDA announced that it would not regulate cannabidiol (CBD) edible products under the existing regulatory frameworks for dietary supplements, citing health concerns and a lack of safety data for the substance. The agency said it had not found adequate evidence to determine how much CBD can be consumed and for how long before causing harm, so it would not pursue rulemaking for the substance in dietary supplements or conventional foods. “Given the available evidence, it is not apparent how CBD products could meet safety standards for dietary supplements or food additives,” Janet ..read more

On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the opposition to California’s Proposition 12, which bans the sale of pork in the state that comes from pigs kept in gestation crates. In a 5-4 vote, the court’s decision rejects a pork-industry challenge claiming the legislation would unlawfully regulate out-of-state farmers. The proposition, an animal protection law passed in 2018 known as the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act, makes it illegal to house hens, sows, and veal calves in what the state calls “a cruel manner.” It also prohibits the in-state sale of products from caged animals r ..read more

Earlier this year, a new law known as the FASTER Act took effect, adding sesame as a major food allergen and requiring the ingredient to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods, including dietary supplements. In an effort to adhere to the new law, some manufacturers are actually adding sesame to their food and labels rather than properly cleaning their equipment to avoid contamination in an attempt to avoid the costs associated with the processes and systems controls necessary to ensure safe baking practices. To many, this action goes against the spirit of the law. In response, a group of ..read more

In March 2020, the Department of Homeland Security designated food and agriculture production one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors. This was a significant recognition, as it allowed food processing plants to continue their activity during the pandemic. Even with the pandemic mostly in our rearview mirror, this designation shelters the sector from future disruptions. The classification also comes with additional compliance and regulatory ­issues. While health and safety are the top concerns in these industries, production efficiency and business operations are not to be neglected. With a m ..read more