First introduced in 1969 and revised in 1986, FDA cGMP regulations are now in the midst of a new modernization initiative.  While final regulations have not been released, there are some significant modernization opportunities likely to affect food manufacturers in the future.  Some of these are highlighted In a 2005 “white paper” published by the FDA including requirements for training for supervisors & workers, written allergen control plans where food allergens are present, written environmental pathogen control plans where needed, written sanitation procedures for all food contact equipment & food contact surfaces, and time-temperature dynamics for refrigerated & hot foods storage.  A panel of subject matter experts and manufacturers will share their insights on these and other modernization opportunities and the potential impact this initiative may have on food manufacturing.

GMA Manufacturing Excellence Conference
Co-located with PACK EXPO
November 1-2, 2010
McCormick Place Chicago


Panelists:

Craig Henry, Ph.D., Director, AERS Deloitte & Touche LLP
(Craig is one of the leaders of Deloitte’s globally effort to food and product safety that enhance supply chain integrity and visibility as well as integrates risk and compliance approaches.  Prior to joining Deloitte Dr. Henry served as Senior Vice President in the Scientific and Regulatory Affairs department of the Grocery Manufacturers Association and as the Executive Director of the GMA Science and Education Foundation.  Dr. Henry currently serves as a co-chairperson for the federal Food and Agricultural Sector Coordinating Council representing the private sector of the food industry.  He serves on the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection.

Faye J. Feldstein, MS US FDA
(Faye has a solid foundation in food safety, microbiology and food defense, gained during her career in industry, and state and federal regulatory agencies.  Most recently, her career has been highlighted by a 10 year tenure at the Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, where she was the Director of the Agency’s Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response.  In that capacity, she was engaged in the policy making and implementation of the Agency’s efforts related to the Reportable Food Registry, traceability, recalls, food defense, and outbreak investigations in coordination with the state and local regulators and the affected industry.  Additionally, she served as the Agency’s representative to the Boards of Directors of the Conference for Food Protection and the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments.  She supervised the development and publication of the 2005 FDA Food Code, a model food code for retail and foodservice facilities.  Prior to her career at the FDA, she was Vice President for Food Safety at W.R. Grace and Company and was the Director of the Environmental Microbiology Laboratories of the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

"It is critically important to have the industry, manufacturers and suppliers alike, understand the significance and scope of FDA's pending modernization of the cGMPs.  Ensuring food safety and public confidence is the responsibility of every stakeholder," according to both Craig Henry, Ph.D. of Deloitte & Touche and Faye Feldstein, MS and former Director of Food Defense and Emergency Response, FDA

Find out more about the sessions at the GMA Manufacturing Excellence Conference.

 Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.

Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day.  The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.

In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.