Remember the Boar’s Head food listeria outbreak last year? Well, there have been some major updates in regulations that food and beverage manufacturers will want to pay attention to! The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is highly considering significant changes to listeria regulations and ready-to-eat (RTE) food sampling procedures. The Boars Head outbreak resulted in 59 illnesses and 10 deaths, leading to a thorough reassessment of current food safety measures in the industry. Is your business ready for these changes?
The outbreak was traced back to the Boar’s Head Jarratt, Virginia facility eventually led to the plant’s closure in September of 2024, after investigators had already identified several food safety violations. In response to this, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has initiated a domino effect of long-term regulatory changes aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
At the helm of the change is the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF). They’ve created a new committee to review the FSIS regulatory approach to L. monocytogenes.
This group will also develop recommendations for improved Listeria control in RTE products, with findings expected by 2026. Safe to say, the committee’s upcoming work will likely re-shape the future of food safety regulations in the United States; Is your business prepared for this?
There is already a circulation of suggested changes to existing regulations to include more stringent Listeria testing requirements, enhanced documentation standards, and revised sanitation protocols. In addition to that, the USDA is thinking about implementing new environmental sampling programs, increasing testing frequency, and the use of risk-based sampling algorithms to improve the detection and prevention of foodborne pathogens.
We know, it sounds like SO much information! But don’t panic, technologies, like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems will help. And with the help of seasoned ERP experts, like The Attivo Group, these smart systems will provide solutions that can help your business juggle all these new regulations with ease. By tracking ingredients, monitoring production processes, and even setting off alarms if something’s not right, Attivo’s ERP solutions help businesses with compliance management and adapting to evolving regulatory requirements. After all, we’ve seen one too many times how easy it is for one mistake to cause a catastrophic change for everyone!
While these potential changes could have far-reaching implications for food and beverage manufacturers, ERPs make modifying your compliance procedures and adapting to higher food safety standards easy-peasy. By centralizing data, automating documentation, and providing real-time tracking and reporting capabilities, ERPs allow you to quickly update protocols, generate comprehensive audit trails, and ensure that every step of your production process meets the latest regulatory standards with just a few clicks. Amazing, right?
And The Attivo Group is here to guide you by offering comprehensive regulatory compliance consulting, financial advisory services, and technology-driven solutions that can help your business navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence! With over three decades of experience, our team provides expert guidance in areas like risk management and strategic financial planning, leveraging advanced technological tools to deliver tailored, actionable strategies for your business. Book a discovery call today and take the first step towards a safer, more efficient food production process!
