FSMA Compliance Dates Continue to Arrive and FDA Clarifies Certain Provisions

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.

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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.

With the FSMA Produce Safety Rule compliance date later this month, the FDA continues to educate and clarify how they expect the industry to comply with FSMA regulations. On January 4, 2018, the FDA announced their intention to exert discretionary enforcement for certain provisions in four rules of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This announcement further delays several provisions within Compliance Date Extensions and Clarifications for FSMA Final Rules in order to make the rules practical for implementation and for industry stakeholders to focus on developing the risk-based solutions outlined in the previously published FSMA final rules.

By: Hilary Thesmar, PhD, RD, CFS, Chief Food and Product Safety Officer and Vice President, Food Safety Programs, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/melon-field.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=175e7a6e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Melon Field" title="Melon Field" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> With the FSMA Produce Safety Rule compliance date later this month, the FDA continues to educate and clarify how they expect the industry to comply with FSMA regulations. On January 4, 2018, the FDA <a href="https://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm590667.htm">announced</a> their intention to exert discretionary enforcement for certain provisions in four rules of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This announcement further delays several provisions within <a href="https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm517545.htm">Compliance Date Extensions and Clarifications for FSMA Final Rules</a> in order to make the rules practical for implementation and for industry stakeholders to focus on developing the risk-based solutions outlined in the previously published FSMA final rules. In order to offer science-based approaches for FSMA compliance, the FMI Center for Food Retail Safety and Defense presented a webinar, “<a href="https://repositrak.com/webinar-your-get-ready-checklist-for-produce-safety-compliance/%20">Your 'Get Ready' Checklist for Produce Safety Compliance</a>,” hosted by <a href="http://www.repositrak.com/">ReposiTrak</a> on December 5, 2017. FMI offers valuable training, regulatory and technical resources that help companies of all sizes prepare for future produce safety compliance dates. The only change in compliance date related to the produce safety rule impacts the definition of farms performing other functions and does not impact retailers or wholesalers selling produce. In fact, retailers and wholesalers are not regulated by the produce safety rule, but should understand the requirements of the rule so that they can understand what their produce growers need to do to meet the food safety requirements. Ultimately, retailers are committed to working with the FDA and produce growers to ensure safe food is sold to consumers. FMI is proud to advocate as the voice of food retailers by offering scientifically-supported public comments that protect public health and providing long-term food safety solutions that serve member company needs. For more information about FSMA and the Produce Safety Rule, visit the <a href="https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/">Produce Safety Alliance</a> or <a href="https://www.fmi.org/food-safety-modernization-act-resource-center">FMI FSMA Resource Center</a> for training and compliance support.

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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.