FDA Releases Supplement to 2022 Food Code: Key Updates for Enhanced Food Safety

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a supplement to the 2022 Food Code, reflecting significant updates that emerged from the 2023 Biennial Meeting of the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). These new provisions address multiple facets of food safety and management, aiming to further harmonize and improve practices across the food service industry.

Key Changes in the 2022 Food Code Supplement

1. Surface Disinfection: The supplement introduces clear guidelines for disinfecting both food contact and non-food contact surfaces, alongside equipment sanitation standards. This update emphasizes maintaining rigorous hygiene practices in all food service settings.
2. Container Reuse Protocols: Revised and expanded instructions now specify the conditions under which containers can be refilled and reused, supporting both sustainability and safety in food establishments.
3. Food Defense: Recognizing the increasing importance of protecting the food supply chain, the FDA has added provisions to encourage food establishments to adopt and implement food defense measures more comprehensively.
4. Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS): New definitions for FSMS and Active Managerial Control outline specific criteria for when FSMS implementation is necessary, reinforcing the importance of proactive safety management.
5. Employee Health and Reinstatement: Updated protocols detail the process for safely reinstating employees diagnosed with certain foodborne illnesses, including Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Shigella, and nontyphoidal Salmonella, taking into account culture-independent diagnostic tests.
6. Sushi Rice Acidification: The supplement’s Annex 6 now includes a dedicated section discussing the risks associated with acidifying sushi rice, along with recommended controls to mitigate these risks.

The FDA encourages adoption of this updated Food Code by state, local, tribal, and territorial regulatory bodies, aiming to foster consistency and elevate food safety standards nationwide. Currently, only a few states and territories have fully adopted the 2022 Food Code, highlighting a critical need for broader implementation.

For more information on how these updates may impact your organization, contact a project manager at [email protected].

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