Food Safety

Reports of tainted food from China – and, more recently, here in the United States, as well – have stirred concerns of safety around the world and fears for businesses throughout the food and beverage supply chain.

President Bush has established a new Import Safety Working Group to recommend steps to guarantee the safety of food and other products and to improve U.S. policing of those imports. 

“These food safety scares are making food companies realize they can’t rely on outdated processes for tracking and recalling products,” said Gary Rushlo, client business partner at SoftBrands, Inc. “U.S. FDA data says federal inspectors have stopped more food shipments from India and Mexico than they have from China."

Regardless of the intent of government regulations, the truth remains that food manufacturers cannot rely on their suppliers to be on the right side of the law. Manufacturers and distributors need to take the reigns and do all they can to vet their suppliers. Then they need to be prepared to act quickly if a crisis strikes.