Food Online's Top 10 Of August

By Sam Lewis

What was most important to our readers in August? Take a look back at last month by reviewing the 10 most-popular articles that appeared on Food Online.

1. Why Thorough Traceability Systems Are Crucial To The Food Industry
   Obviously, food producers, manufacturers, and processors are facing enormous challenges creating traceability systems that meet an ever-growing list of requirements. Here, Nye Hardy, a former director of food safety at Dole Fresh Vegetables, answers my questions about FSMA, traceability systems, electronic recordkeeping, and how to tie all of those things together to keep consumers safe, your supply chain well managed, and your company on top of the latest regulations.
    
2. Is Smart Manufacturing The Food Industry’s Next Revolution?
   Smart manufacturing is beginning to have a major impact on the food and beverage industry. No matter what you call it — Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, or connected enterprise — that influence will continue to grow.
    
3. 5 Eye-Opening Facts About Recordkeeping Under FSMA
   Although food companies have lots of experience creating records, these records have never been subject to the type of scrutiny they soon will face by the Food FDA under FSMA. The FDA will not only assess whether companies adopt programs that are adequate, but also will inspect whether these programs are consistently implemented.
    
4. HPP Allows Maryland Co-Packer To Expand Business
   For Maryland Packaging, high-pressure processing (HPP) is THE emerging food technology. And, according to the owner of the co-packer based in Elkridge, MD, the charge is being led by a growing group of young entrepreneurs.
    
5. Shelf-Ready Packaging Gains Foothold On Walmart Shelves
   For nearly a decade, the use of shelf-ready packaging (SRP) has been growing among U.S. retailers. At first, its presence seemed a bit of a novelty and was easily noticeable. Now, retailers and Consumer Packaged Goods companies (CPGs) have incorporated it into their merchandising in all channels — from convenience stores to warehouse stores.
    
6. Survey Shows Increasing Industry Reliance On Detection Systems
   When it comes to product safety, food manufacturers place a high level of importance on the use of X-Ray and metal detection systems in their operations, according to a recent Food Online survey. Results show that 76.7 percent of survey respondents say these systems are “very important” to the success of their processing and packaging operations.
    
7. Food Recall Management: Overcoming The Big Obstacles
   Product recalls present absolute worst-case scenarios to consumer loyalty, sales, and the bottom line. As unfortunate as these events are, they can be managed. Jennifer McEntire, Vice President of Science Operations at the Grocery Manufacturers Association, took some time to answer my questions about how to efficiently and effectively handle a food recall.
    
8. Food Safety Culture: Tools For Implementation And Improvement
   Upholding company values to influence positive behavioral change is an integral component of food safety culture. But, what devices and strategies can be used to direct company operations in these areas?
    
9. Supply Chain Analytics: What Else Can Be Done With Data To Improve Operations?
   Food manufacturers are constantly seeking to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. One of the best ways to do so is to utilize automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies, such as RFID tags and bar codes — or a combination of both — to collect data about food products. That data can be helpful in a number of ways, including improving how products are tracked through the supply chain, validating handling and shipping procedures, and improving production and inventory controls.
    
10. Is X-Ray Inspection Or Metal Detection Right For You?
    A major thorn in the side of every food manufacturer or processor is the potential of foreign body contaminants entering food products, leaving the plant, and entering the market. There are many ways — including X-ray inspection systems and metal detectors — food makers battle the possibility of foreign body contamination. But, which one is right for you?