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
The agri-food powerhouse is now eyeing the potential sale of a 50 percent stake Alvean, a joint venture with Brazilian sugar giant Copersucar. Following the pending divestiture, Cargill would pivot its focus toward its food processing and meat activities.
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by Ramboll suggests advantages are primarily driven by the carbon emissions related to the amount of energy and freshwater required to wash the multi-use tableware.
The brewer’s South African arm says there has been significant impact from bans on alcohol sales and Covid-19 trading restrictions. At the end of December, the country banned alcohol sales for the third time to help reduce the pressure on emergency services.
