FSIS encourages establishments to voluntarily adopt and implement a Food Defense Plan (FDP), and to conduct training and exercises to ensure preparedness.

The programs are key components of the agency's verification activities to ensure inspections are effective at keeping microbiological contaminants and chemical residues out of commerce.

At presstime in mid-December 2018, there had been 120 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recalls in 2018, collectively totaling approximately 25.3 million pounds of product.

The growing issue of food safety, along with the increased scrutiny on manufacturers to manage associated risks continues to have a significant impact on the food and beverage industry. As the food supply chain becomes more global and complex, food safety issues tend to be more far-reaching than those experienced decades ago.

According to Research Report Insights (RRI), a greater adoption of high-pressure processing (HPP) solutions is a strong signal of a growing industry. Expectations for the sector’s growth are for an incremental dollar opportunity of $350.5 million during the report’s forecast period (2016-26).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is empowered with numerous enforcement tools by the federal laws it implements.

Antimicrobial dips and sprays aid in food safety of suppliers' raw product by reducing the micro load that comes from areas including the hide, intestinal tract and the environment. Hence, the application of an antimicrobial intervention can be seen as a positive step for total food safety.

As a part of the 2018 SQF International Conference, SQFI and Alchemy Systems hosted a Food Safety Field Trip, inviting members of the media to visit two Atlanta SQF-certified companies.