The microbial safety of “ready-to-eat” (RTE) foods is a hot topic that ASTA is hearing a lot about when it comes to implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet published guidance regarding classifying and processing RTE foods. In these “frequently asked questions” (FAQs), ASTA is sharing information on positions FDA could take on RTE based on the preambles to the FSMA final rules, talks that FDA officials have given, information published in the update to the spice draft risk profile, informal conversations with FDA officials, and other published FDA draft guidance. ASTA has produced these FAQs in order to help members understand FDA’s current thinking on RTE foods, but we note that we have not received input on this document from FDA.

ASTA's Clean, Safe Spices Guidance recommends that allspice companies develop and implement an environmental monitoring program. FSMA has underscored the need to do so. The series features Dr. James Dickson and attorney Maile Hermida for a 90-minute webinar to learn how to develop an FSMA-ready program and understand the related legal issues. Dr. Dickson provides details on what the key elements of a comprehensive environmental monitoring program are and gives advice on how to develop a program that is tailored to a spice facility. Ms. Hermida provides insight in FSMA requirements and FDA’s expectations for RTE foods, as well as the legal liability’s companies face related to environmental monitoring.