AIB International’s standards for inspection describe key requirements that food facilities must meet to prove their food safety standards conform to F.S.M.A. regulations.

MANHATTAN, KAS. — More focused, current and easier for food companies to use — that’s how AIB International described the upgraded versions of its Consolidated Standards for Inspection of prerequisite and food safety programs, released June 28.

Stephanie Lopez, vice-president for food safety services at AIB International

“Our Consolidated Standards for Inspection allow your food safety programs to reach their highest potential,” said Stephanie Lopez, vice-president for food safety services. “This update incorporates important trends and needs for today’s global food chain to help food plants minimize their risk of food safety contamination and exceed a customer’s expectations for providing wholesome and safe products.”

AIB International’s standards for inspection describe key requirements that food facilities must meet to prove their food safety standards conform to Food Safety Modernization Act (F.S.M.A.) regulations. The updated standards will also guide AIB’s own GMP Inspection, FS 360 and Inspection Only services. The 10 standards are tailored to specific industry segments. Among the new aspects are concepts such as food fraud and supply chain control.

The group announced a two-year plan to update its standards. Those dealing with inspection prerequisites and food safety programs were the first to be released in 2016 for implementation in 2017. The others will concern beverage facilities, food distribution centers, food contact packaging manufacturing facilities and nonfood contact packaging manufacturing facilities.

The five to be updated in 2017 and implemented in 2018 are inspection standards for agricultural crops, fresh-cut produce, fresh produce and fruit packing houses, grain handling facilities and retail facilities.