The Future of Food Safety

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

Our Purpose and Commitment

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.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

who frontpage

member frontpage

Join a Community that Champions, Connects, and Elevates!

Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

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.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

Whole genome sequencing, Listeria outbreaks, FSMA deadlines, allergen recalls: the list of emerging issues and regulatory requirements seem to go on-and-on. What does all this mean and how does this impact suppliers, brands, and food safety?

By: Sarah Malenich, Director, Sales & Marketing, Safe Quality Food Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/future-of-food-safety.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=e7a8706e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Future of Food Safety" title="Future of Food Safety" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> Whole genome sequencing, Listeria outbreaks, FSMA deadlines, allergen recalls: the list of emerging issues and regulatory requirements seem to go on-and-on. What does all this mean and how does this impact suppliers, brands, and food safety? On Monday, SQFI presented a session to the audience at the <a href="https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/summer-fancy-food-show/" target="_blank">Summer Fancy Food Show</a> on trends in food safety and how new technology impacts food safety, brand protection, and consumer confidence. We discussed some core food safety principles and an approach that small, local suppliers can use to build their own food safety system preparing them to meet regulatory requirements and retailer expectations. Here’s the reality –advancing technology is changing our food safety practices. For example, new technology like DNA sequencing will make spotting foodborne illnesses and tracing them easier and faster. This means recalls will increase and inspectors will need to get to the root of problems by knocking on company’s doors more diligently. In the face of these changes, implementing the <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/" target="_blank">SQF Program</a> can help by providing a globally recognized farm to fork food safety and quality certification program. When the SQF Program is executed correctly, with a strong management commitment and food safety culture is instilled at a facility, your brand, your buyers and the consumer are protected. Imagine a future where food safety is not a cost center, but instead a cost saver, by keeping your products and brand safe so you make more profit. Bottom line: when management is committed to food safety throughout the company recalls are lower, efficiencies are increased and costs are lower. That’s a future for food safety we can all work towards. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SQFInstitute/videos/vb.136940576323633/1758012767549731/?type=2&theater" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> of our presentation and learn more about the SQF Program at <a href="http://www.sqfi.com/" target="_blank">www.SQFI.com</a>.

Read full article on FMI

Menus

Some of the main menus of the template are now set via the template parameters saving you having to set up menu modules for each menu. From this section you can choose what menus you would like connected with these pre assigned menu areas of the template.

Copyright Information

Enter the copyright information that will appear in the footer area of your template.

Supporting West Virginia Communities

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.