How many more recalls of a food product (peanut butter this time)

[AndyN]

With the latest (significant) recall of a food product (peanut butter this time) when will either the USDA/FDA or a major retailer or manufacturer realize that the QC inspections are ineffective?

When will they see that a management systems approach, based on something like ISO 22000, is what's needed?

[Marc]

The wonders of deregulation and lack of corporate responsibility.

[Jim Wynne]

In Reply to Parent Post by AndyN

With the latest (significant) recall of a food product (peanut butter this time) when will either the USDA/FDA or a major retailer or manufacturer realize that the QC inspections manufacturing processes are ineffective?

I fixed that for you.

[somerqc]

Unfortunately, in the world that created this mess too many times the "upper management" would make a "business decision" to overturn a decision made by an underling resulting in these issues.

I have had the same thing happen to me - ended up costing the company over $10 million in recalls and rework. But, it was decided that they HAD to hit the market window (like a bird I might add) for the product launch. Fortunately, not a product that would kill anyone; however, it was the start of the downturn of the company resulting in the eventual sale and moving of production to China.

Hopefully, the happenings of today will result in a future business model that is less likely to do this just to launch a product "on-time".

Jumping off my sandbox,

John

[Keith Childers]

In Reply to Parent Post by Jim Wynne

I fixed that for you.

[tsmith7858]

In Reply to Parent Post by AndyN

With the latest (significant) recall of a food product (peanut butter this time) when will either the USDA/FDA or a major retailer or manufacturer realize that the manufacturing processes are ineffective?

When will they see that a management systems approach, based on something like ISO 22000, is what's needed?

Great question Andy!

As you know, I have only been in the food industry since June 2008 and was hired to install a ISO 22000 system. I was surprised to find out how few companies in the US have a system in place but I also have found that there are a lot of systems to choose from and it can be frustrating.

I not only have to put something in to meet ISO Standards but I need to maintain compliance with AIB, BRC, SQF and the many other systems that are around for the Food Industry. It is tough enough to manage to one set of guidelines but when you need to be up on all of them because each of the major retailers support a different one, it gets more complicated.

Hopefully everyone settles in on one soon and for my sake and the sake of my company I hope it is ISO 22000

As for the peanut butter, it has been an interesting case to observe and see the reactions of other companies as well as my own company. I have watched it unfold over the last month and hopefully can use it as a learning tool.

[Sidney Vianna]

In Reply to Parent Post by tsmith7858

Great question Andy!

I agree. Regulatory agencies, strapped for resources, should really start using solutions offered by the industry, to enhance controls over the suppliers subjected to their oversight. That is the reason I started the Should Regulatory Agencies require Accredited Certification in their Respective Areas poll.

In Reply to Parent Post by tsmith7858

I not only have to put something in to meet ISO Standards but I need to maintain compliance with AIB, BRC, SQF and the many other systems that are around for the Food Industry. It is tough enough to manage to one set of guidelines but when you need to be up on all of them because each of the major retailers support a different one, it gets more complicated.

Indeed, the multiplicity of standards and schemes in the food sector are an additional challenge for the suppliers. Some of the ones that we are involved with include:

• Animal feed & ingredients – GMP+/PDV and FAMI-QS
• GLOBALG.A.P. IFA - Aquaculture
• GLOBALG.A.P. IFA – Fruit and Vegetables
• ISO 22000
• HACCP
• BRC Global Standard for Food Safety
• IFS – International Food Standard
• SQF 1000/2000 – Safety Quality Food Program
• GMA-SAFE
• BRC Global Standard for Packaging and GMP FEFCO
• BRC Global Storage & Distribution and IFS Logistics

[AndyN]

Wow - that's like alphabet soup!