Food safety has increasingly become a concern in the minds of manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. Spurred by recent health and safety issues, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has authorized stricter regulations for food product testing to improve traceability, handling, and packaging to prevent contamination.

New food safety procedures were enacted to respond to the increasing number of  incidents involving food product contamination due to common allergens or harmful bacteria. Assisted by improved laboratory management technology, food companies can attain greater confidence in their products prior to being sold to consumers.

Improper Food Safety Management Costly

Over the past few years, recalls of food products have risen dramatically because of poor management of food testing and inadequate traceability of contamination origins. This is no surprise when only one in four companies perceives quality as being integrated functionally in its supply chain. Early identification of quality issues in the supply chain is crucial because the costs of resolving them rises exponentially the later this is done.

The detection of harmful bacteria, including Listeria, has compelled mandatory recalls of food products like dairy products and produce. Unfortunately, some recalls were not carried out until stricken consumers fell ill or died. Research by industry experts determined that a recall can cost a company up to $10 million in direct costs. Indirect costs such as loss of reputation can also be costly.

Common food allergens like milk, nuts, soy, and wheat have been detected in products claiming to be allergen-free. Incidents can be attributed to accidental cross-contamination during the process of production or packaging or food fraud. In 2020, a little more than half of food recalls in the U.S. resulted from various errors due to allergens. A great number was because of product labeling errors that omitted allergens.

Lapses in food safety have had a major financial impact on the industry. Altogether, food and beverage companies have paid billions through fund reparations, regulatory fines, and recalled inventory. Significant economic losses from declining sales and stock value can be attributed to damaged reputation.

Part 2 will cover Stricter Food Safety Regulations and STARLIMS Integrated Solution.

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