The Food and Drug Administration is suspending “routine” food facility inspections in an effort to ensure the safety of its workforce and not interfere with food manufacturer programs to limit the number of visitors to their facilities in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Other inspections deemed “mission critical” will continue.
“During this interim period, we’re evaluating additional ways to conduct our inspectional work that would not jeopardize public safety and protecting both the firms and the FDA staff,” said Stephen M. Hahn, MD, commissioner of food and drugs for the FDA. “This can include, among other things, evaluating records in lieu of conducting an onsite inspection on an interim basis when travel is not permissible, when appropriate.”
Dr. Hahn noted that during the past fiscal year the domestic violation rate among FDA-regulated companies was 5%.
“From our experience across the agency, we also believe FDA-regulated firms understand and appreciate their shared responsibility to ensure the integrity of the supply chain and we will continue to communicate with them during this time to underscore this partnership,” he said.
By Keith Nunes
Source: Food Business News
In the lead-up to the world-famous Oktoberfest – which celebrates Bavarian tradition, beer and the festival spirit – Munich was already buzzing with activity by the time the doors opened to Drinktec 2022 on 12-16 September. The atmosphere was lively, with approximately 50,000 visitors from 169 countries in attendance.
Unilever has announced CEO Alan Jope’s decision to retire from the company at the end of 2023, after five years at the helm. The announcement comes less than a year after a failed attempt by Unilever to buy GlaxoSmithKline’s consumer healthcare business and just months after activist investor Nelson Peltz joined the company’s board.
Lakeland Dairies has announced that Colin Kelly will assume the role of group CEO following the retirement of Michael Hanley at the end of the year. Kelly will take up the position in January 2023, while Hanley will step down in December this year.
