On May 20, ABA submitted comments in response FDA’s public meeting held on April 20, regarding the preventative controls provisions of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
ABA’s comments focused on exemption from compliance under section 418 for depot facilities, by allowing such facilities to satisfy requirements under existing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The use of such facilities described in FSMA is extensive among bakers that use a unique distribution system. Bakers have a strong interest in ensuring that any regulatory obligations imposed upon such facilities are appropriate.
Three major components of the basis for such an exemption include: use of facilities in the baking industry to store finished, packaged foods is crucial; many of FSMA’s Hazard Analysis and Preventive Controls Provisions are not relevant for storage facilities; and compliance with existing GMPs applicable to storage facilities will satisfy requirements for facilities solely engaged in the storage of packaged foods not exposed to the environment.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: The American Bakers Association