As the new year unfolds the food processing industry watches to see what the changes in political administration may mean for the field.  Understanding these issues can help a company plan strategically to meet these challenges.  There are several trends to watch that may give some insight into the changes to come.

First, with a new political administration, the FDA budget as well as policies regarding food safety inspections may change.  As FDA inspections roll out over the course of the year, the number of large facilities targeted is expected to increase.  Companies should be particularly prepared to discuss their food safety plan.

There will also be a stronger focus on environmental controls, which could mean more recalls in the coming year.  Several issues can bring food safety into question besides environmental sampling.  Incomplete records, inadequate training and lack of preventive controls can also generate a recall, even if no listeria, for example, is directly detected.  There will likely be more voluntary recalls.

Businesses that are proactive about environmental control, particularly those who make ready-to-eat foods, will save themselves problems.This is where using top quality inline mixing and heating products can make a serious difference.  A Sanitary Static Mixer, such as Komax’s in-line motionless static mixer, can convert multiple component input streams (like tomato paste, syrups or light fluids like sodas and drinks) seamlessly.    Because the mixer has no moving parts, external cleaning and disassembly is easy.  Similarly, a Sanitary Sceptic Tank Heater offers direct stream injection designed for a number of sanitary applications (starches, slurries, dairy products, sauces and gravies, baby food, etc.).

As you face the new year with its unpredictable policies, likely inspections, sanitary issues and competitive market, make Komax your trusted partner in food safety.