FMI Food Protection Committee sets 2017 Food Safety Initiatives

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OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

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OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

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In late January, food safety professionals from FMI retail and wholesale member companies gathered in Scottsdale, AZ to discuss the 2017 food safety initiatives. The priority initiatives typically mirror the top issues that the industry is facing in food safety and will be the focus of the committee’s time and resources to develop programs and materials that will make a measurable impact in retail food safety.

Hilary Thesmar, PhD, RD, Chief Food and Product Safety Officer and Vice President, Food Safety Programs <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/fsi-17.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="FSI 17" title="FSI 17" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />In late January, food safety professionals from FMI retail and wholesale member companies gathered in Scottsdale, AZ to discuss the 2017 food safety initiatives. The discussion is part of a systematic process that the FMI Food Protection Committee (FPC) goes through each year to determine its annual priorities. The priority initiatives typically mirror the top issues that the industry is facing in food safety and will be the focus of the committee’s time and resources to develop programs and materials that will make a measurable impact in retail food safety.     The 2017 Priority Initiatives are: <ol> <li>Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Implementation and Compliance</li> <li>Menu Labeling and Enforcement </li> <li>Recalls</li> <li>Listeria Prevention at Retail</li> <li>Cleaning and Sanitation Practices </li> </ol> These initiatives represent some of the largest regulatory implementation challenges that retailers and wholesalers have seen in decades. Food safety professionals are implementing multiple FSMA regulations as well as implementing menu labeling regulations in retail stores. This level of federal regulatory oversight is unprecedented and the implementation challenges are impacting many departments within retail organizations. The FMI Food Protection Committee plans to develop tools to assist with compliance and will form workgroups to address specific areas of concern.   Recalls, Listeria prevention at retail, and cleaning and sanitation practices are ongoing food safety issues for retailers. The FMI Food Protection Committee plans to address these issues by collaborating with other organizations, associations, regulatory agencies, and subject matter experts in order to make advances in science and technology, develop innovative food safety solutions and increase adoption of best practices. The FMI Food Safety Committee and the FMI Board of Directors has reviewed and approved the 2017 initiatives. The Food Protection Committee (FPC) is committed to food safety and enhancing the industry understanding of food safety issues. The FPC is already busy working on the initiatives and they are hopeful that their work will make a measurable difference in the year to come. The work of the Food Protection Committee (FPC) is available for all retailers and wholesalers to utilize to improve their food safety programs. To see the resources developed by the FPC as a result of initiatives from prior years, visit the <a href="http://www.fmi.org/food-safety/food-safety-resources">FMI Food Safety Resource Page</a>.

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OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.