The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed into law by President Obama in 2011, is the first major overhaul of U.S. food safety practices since 1938. It has implications for food manufacturers of all sizes – although many small businesses haven’t fully grasped how it impacts them in profound ways.
FSMA aims to help the FDA to better protect public health by focusing on preventing rather than reacting to food safety problems. It includes substantial new regulations for food processing facilities. Small food manufacturers were exempt from the law until recently. But now, every food manufacturer subject to FDA regulation (which most wholesalers are), regardless of size, must come into compliance with GMP’s and Hazard Analysis requirements. We understand that FDA has recently begun ramping up its enforcement on FSMA
FSMA Compliance Made Easier
At a fundamental level, FSMA compliance is designed to reduce and prevent foodborne illnesses and death caused by contamination. It also provides assurance to the general public that the food they consume has been subject to preventative safety measures, thereby allowing people to feel secure that the food they’re eating is safe.
While safety standards are vital to ensuring public health, FSMA can present unique challenges for start-ups and independent food makers. Compliance can be costly for those operating on a small scale because of the time and cost of implementing requirements, like employee training, record-keeping and supplier enforcement. Additionally, FSMA increases the time regulatory agencies will spend inspecting kitchens and preparation facilities, due to the documentation and auditing involved. Frankly, compliance with FSMA can be overwhelming for small business owners.
Thankfully, there are solutions to the challenges presented by FSMA. Los Angeles- and Chicago-based Amped Kitchens provides food production spaces (growth kitchens) that are pre-inspected by health officials in order to streamline permitting, and all spaces accommodate the rigorous quality standards of public and private health agencies. Businesses also can enlist the help of consultants specializing in setting up quality, safety and compliance plans that adhere to the new regulations. These companies can assist with training and/or retraining employees by providing learning packages based on the size & needs of a business, as well as provide general oversight of compliance.
Small producers and start-ups can be confident that solutions are readily available when it comes to FSMA. With the rapidly expanding role of small operations in our food economy over the past decade, and the growing popularity of small-batch food and beverages in the U.S., knowing the solutions available and enlisting the help of experts will pay off for businesses in the long run.
About Amped Kitchens
An affiliate of CED, Amped Kitchens develops and operates facilities that lease premium production spaces to a broad range of food companies. Our mission is to empower food businesses across the spectrum to grow, enter new markets and develop products faster and with less capital than ever before. We own our properties, invest heavily in improvements and hold for long-term value. We have been profitable since our launch and our expansion plans are based on prudent growth into established markets with proven demand.
