Food Online's Top 10 Of March

By Sam Lewis

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

1. Ignorance Is No Excuse: Criminal Liability In The Produce Industry
   We’ve all heard the reports about the salad plant in Springfield, OH that closed as the federal government continues to investigate a listeria outbreak. The phrase “federal investigation” should be enough to send chills down any produce executive’s spine. While no one yet knows what the government’s investigation at the Springfield, OH salad plant will yield, it wouldn’t be the first time a produce executive faces criminal charges — and a possible prison sentence — following a food-borne illness outbreak.
    
2. Understanding The Impact Of Digital Printing On Flexible Package Laminating
   Digital printing is an emerging print technology for flexible food packaging that’s enabling brand owners and converters to effectively deliver shorter run lengths, improve shelf appeal, and meet speed-to-market demands. There are several digital technologies in the market, but presses that require attention to detail regarding the packaging design, especially the adhesives, are emerging as the dominant technology. Selecting the proper laminating adhesive is imperative to the integrity of the packaging structure, preventing tunnels, leaks, and other packaging defects. It also impacts the substrate choice, which will affect chemical migration.
    
3. Inside McCormick’s Packaging Innovation Process
   In January, McCormick’s VP of Global Packaging Innovation, Dr. Michael Okoroafor, took some time to discuss with me the company’s process of creating new packaging. From forming the packaging for brand new products, to rebranding and reforming the packaging of the company’s signature products, McCormick’s design process is specifically aimed at bringing value to the consumer by identifying and addressing their needs.
    
4. What Does "Food Safety" Mean In The Eyes Of The Consumer?
   As consumers become increasingly attentive and evermore informed regarding what they eat, so do their ideas of what food safety should mean for food manufacturers. Here, William Thomas, CEO of Thomas Utopia Brand, answers my questions concerning what food safety means for food manufacturers in the age of the ultra-informed consumer. Thomas will be speaking at the upcoming 12^th Annual North American Summit on Food Safety held April 20-21, 2016 in Toronto, ON.
    
5. I've Purchased And Implemented An Electronic Traceability System: Now What?
   In today’s competitive food industry, any business decision to purchase new technology should undergo a cost-benefit analysis as it is an investment intended to ultimately benefit your business and improve its bottom line. Implementing an electronic food traceability system should not be considered any different. It should be looked at in the same light as determining if the company should invest in new equipment for your plants’ floor or even a building expansion. It all comes down to the questions, “What are the benefits of this investment?” and “How long can I expect to see the payoff?”
    
6. Avoiding Contamination And Minimizing Food Safety Risk In A Global Supply Chain
   It’s no secret that the food industry’s supply chain has expanded to the global level and continues to grow. With that expansion comes confusion and ambiguity regarding how to minimize your risks while continuing to maintain your bottom line. Here, Karen Mills, Director of Quality for High Liner Foods, answers my questions about the food industry’s global supply chain, food safety legislation affecting operations within it, and best practices food manufacturers can adopt to produce safe products while remaining competitive as the food industry’s supply chain continues to grow. Mills will be speaking at the upcoming 12^th Annual North American Summit on Food Safety held April 20-21, 2016 in Toronto, ON.
    
7. Packaging For #Millennials: Capturing The Loyalty Of This Coveted Generation
   Millennials — typically identified as those between the ages of 18 and 37 — are the largest generation in U.S. history. Currently, this group represents almost 30 percent of the country’s population and, as they age, their purchasing power rises. By 2020, millennials’ spending is expected to reach $1.4 trillion — an increase of approximately 70 percent over the next six years. As millennials are one of the most important audiences for companies to target, brand owners can benefit from a deeper understanding of this group’s needs and preferences, particularly when it comes to product packaging.
    
8. Are X-Ray Machine Safety Protocols Putting Your Operations At Risk?
   While X-ray machines are effective for detecting contaminants, there have been concerns about the risk of radiation exposure to not just the food, but also the operators. According to the FDA, there are no known adverse effects from eating food or using any product that has been inspected by a cabinet X-ray system. Typical doses of radiation received by products scanned by a cabinet X-ray system are far too low to pose any risk. The risk to operators is also extremely low, if not nonexistent, so long as the machines are operated and maintained properly.
    
9. An Auditor's Perspective: Top 3 Things That Will Impact Food Manufacturers In 2016
   Looking back at the audits I completed in 2015, I have encountered several locations that canceled upcoming audits due to issues found during their site inspection. Some lost their GFSI certification due to non-compliances noted during audits. However, the good news is that most locations, regardless of their audit status, demonstrated a dedication to continuous improvement. You’ve probably heard a lot recently about how all GFSI or non-GFSI certified sites are now faced with a new challenge - to comply with new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations. The FSMA finalized rules result in three key things that will impact the food industry in 2016.  I’ve listed them below and have included a few specifics you will want to keep in mind.
    
10. How Much Does That Packaging Machine Cost?
    This sounds like a simple question, no? Don't be fooled; it is actually a quite complex one and you need to know that if you don't know how much a machine costs, it is very easy to spend too much money on one. Costs are both tangible and intangible. Tangible costs are those that come out of your pocket, for which the company can write a check. They are easier to see if you know where to look. Intangible costs are harder to see. They tend to be hidden and some of them may be impossible to determine. Despite the difficulty they present, it is imperative that you find them as they can be for substantial amounts of money and you need to be aware of them when you buy the machine.