Government Affairs

PROCESSING PRACTICES UNDER SCRUTINY

WITH THE CONTINUING FOCUS on the peanut outbreak and the March 30 recall of pistachios, regulators at the state and federal level are looking closely at agricultural industry practices. The conditions discovered by investigators at the Peanut Corporation of America facilities in Georgia and Texas (the company that processed the peanuts which were the source of the Salmonella outbreak) are a reminder that food processing facilities are obligated to meet certain standards.

Under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002, FDA was given authority to access and copy records where there is a "reasonable belief" that a food is adulterated and presents a threat to consumers. It was under this authority that FDA demanded records from PCA.

In California, health authorities already have the right to request records—virtually everything short of financials—in the course of an investigation. In addition, all food processors (and this includes handlers) should be registered with FDA, and be operating under good manufacturing practices.

While specific procedures are not outlined for almonds, handlers should be able to demonstrate they have GMP procedures, documentation, and records that ensure consumers will receive safe products. ABC will be discussing these standards with industry members at committee meetings and workshops in the coming months.