In conjunction withPACK EXPOthis Nov. 1-2 in Chicago, theGrocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) will host a GMA Manufacturing Excellence Conference. And officials say one of the most interesting and timely sessions promises to explore cGMP modernization opportunities in the food industry

First introduced in 1969 and revised in 1986, FDA cGMP regulations are now in the midst of a new modernization initiative, says GMA. Although final regulations have not been released, there are some significant modernization opportunities likely to affect food manufacturers in the future. 

Some of these were highlighted In a 2005 “white paper” published by the FDA including requirements for training for supervisors and workers, written allergen control plans where food allergens are present, written environmental pathogen control plans where needed, written sanitation procedures for all food contact equipment and food contact surfaces, andtime-temperature dynamics for refrigerated and hot foods storage. 

GMA says a panel of subject matter experts and manufacturers will share their insights on these and other modernization opportunities and the potential impact this initiative may have on food manufacturing.
 
Panelists:
Craig Henry, Ph.D., Director, AERS Deloitte & Touche LLP
Craig is one of the leaders of Deloitte’s globally effort to food and product safety that enhance supply chain integrity and visibility as well as integrates risk and compliance approaches.  Prior to joining Deloitte Dr. Henry served as senior vice president in GMA's Scientific and Regulatory Affairs department and as the executive director of GMA's Science and Education Foundation.

Dr. Henry currently serves as a co-chairperson for the federal Food and Agricultural Sector Coordinating Council representing the private sector of the food industry.  He serves on the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection.

Faye J. Feldstein, MS US FDA
Faye has a solid foundation in food safety, microbiology and food defense, gained during her career in industry, and state and federal regulatory agencies.  Most recently, her career has been highlighted by a 10-year tenure at the Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, where she was the director of the Agency’s Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response.  In that capacity, she was engaged in the policy making and implementation of the Agency’s efforts related to the Reportable Food Registry, traceability, recalls, food defense, and outbreak investigations in coordination with the state and local regulators and the affected industry. 

Additionally, she served as the agency’s representative to the boards of directors of the Conference for Food Protection and the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments.  She supervised the development and publication of the 2005 FDA Food Code, a model food code for retail and foodservice facilities.  Prior to her career at the FDA, she was vice president for food safety at W.R. Grace and Company and was the director of the environmental microbiology laboratories at the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

For more information about all the sessions at the GMA Manufacturing Excellence Conference go to: http://www.packexpo.com/pei2010/public/Content.aspx?ID=1075