How does everyone keep informed on Regulatory Notifications?
Trying to find out how everyone stays best informed of regulatory changes, scientific and technical developments, emerging issues and other related items when it comes to food packaging per 2.4.1.2 of the code. I had developed a procedure under the 7.2 standard that I feel may be too difficult for us to maintain and I am trying to scale back, but maintain the requirements of the standard under 8.0. TIA for any help.
Easiest way is to show that you subscribe to daily digests from FDA, and join some sort of trade organization that will provide you with a regular newsletter on emerging tech in your market.
Some suggestions:
INstitute of Food Technologists (IFT)
International Association of Food Protection (IAFP)
IFSQN isn't a bad one to throw in there :)
Grocery Manfacturers Association (GMA)
someone more packaging centric can probably recommend an organization more packaging specific.
I think F3 is right on, our program right now lists the law firm that we employ along with the IFSQN website and the FDA site with notification in the event of an incident being sent to foodsafetycrisis@sqfi.com.
I get electronic trade magazines, Food Safety Magazine and Food Safety News sent to my email Inbox where they are sorted into dedicated folders. I just showed the auditor the folders and their contents and they were satisfied.
This was all extremely helpful and I think you have really helped me set us up for success! Thank you!
I use websites, newsletters, online subscriptions such as FDA.gov, foodsafety.com, etc.
I would suggest a simple electronic document log that tracks what websites etc you use (like all the good suggestions above... FDA, CFIA etc) and then log when you got the information and if it applies to you, what you did about it. Also putting the alerts in an email folder or a binder would be a good idea too.
EXAMPLE (totally fictitious example here)
Aug 28/17 CFIA ALERT update on label requirement for beef Not applicable as our site does not use beef etc
Aug 30/17 CFIA ALERT updated list for export to China Printed out new list with our facility listed