FSMA is transforming the U.S. food safety system by shifting the focus from responding to foodborne illness to preventing it. This article focuses on the applicability and requirements of seven foundational FDA regulations.

Government oversight of the food chain in both the US and the European Union works to ensure food is available, affordable, safe, and nutritious. Although many fundamentals are shared, there are notable points of divergence in control mechanisms.

Food security exists when everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. Given increased demands for natural resources, social and political instability, trade barriers, and climate change, a resilient, secure global food system is essential.

The ability to predict future weather conditions can provide substantial benefits. Medium-range forecasts are often accurate enough to allow preparations to be made before a change in the weather occurs, saving human lives and money.

This issue of Cereal Foods World continues the Global Food System super theme, with a deep dive into global food safety and defense. Interconnections between food safety and security across the entire food production system are explored.

The FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food rule requires documented hazard analysis and a food safety program managed by a preventive controls qualified individual (PCQI). The roles and responsibilities of a PCQI are described.

Sprouts have been associated with disease outbreaks and food safety recalls. Use of a multihurdle approach for prevention and risk-reduction is critical to reduce potential food safety hazards.

A correction function developed more than 20 years ago for the calculation of falling number was reexamined in a USDA-ARS study. A Note on the correction is being added to AACCI Method 56-81.03, “Determination of Falling Number.”

This interview highlights the work of the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance.

“Spotlights” is a series of individual and institutional interviews capturing the unique stories of our many volunteers and their journeys with AACCI — Cereals & Grains Association.