By Blake Jackson
For nearly a decade, the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has mandated that elevator firms maintain thorough documentation of their good manufacturing practices for animal feed processing and sales.
University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Brenda Schreck assists Missouri businesses in meeting these FSMA requirements through comprehensive documentation support.
Schreck's work is vital for smaller firms, as she aims to provide affordable services that "helps sustain healthy communities while adding tax dollars to local and state economies."
A 2021 study by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority highlighted the significant economic impact of the animal and pet food processing sector, contributing $3.8 billion to Missouri's economy and supporting 37,078 jobs.
Certified as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual in 2017, Schreck developed a manual template, including a customizable feed safety plan, tailored to each firm’s unique manufacturing processes.
"These manuals also contain firm-specific documentation and forms that firms use to record trainings and compliance with FSMA guidelines," Schreck explains. "I provide routine consultations to help firms document changes in firm operations or interpretations of FSMA regulations by state and federal agricultural feed inspectors."
Understanding that each firm's operations are unique, Schreck's approach is highly personalized. Schreck's assesses potential physical hazards, like metal contamination in feed ingredients, and biological hazards, such as mycotoxins in grain.
This is because elevators may process medicated feeds requiring veterinary feed directives, or handle bulk feeds, and some of Schreck's clients are pet food manufacturers, all of which are subject to FSMA regulations. “Every plan is unique,” she emphasizes.
Schreck assists firms in creating and maintaining compliance with their plan manuals and provides annual consultations.
This helps firms learn FDA animal feed safety regulations, implement preventive measures, and maintain accurate documentation for inspections. Ultimately, keeping firms FSMA-compliant ensures they remain in business, supporting local and state economies.
The FSMA, as Schreck notes, "aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to preventing contamination in livestock feed and pet food."
Photo Credit: istock-123ducu
Categories: Missouri, Livestock