may-jun-2019

We’re not afraid to tackle food safety challenges head- on, aided by the expertise of our partners, and we’re proud of our pioneering best practices,” said Birmingham. Today, because of the Almond Board’s forward-thinking approach to food safety, drive to get ahead of potential problems and hard work in creating resources to help the industry produce the greatest possible product, the California almond industry has now gone 12 years without any Salmonella recalls and outbreaks. ABC’s mandatory pasteurization program did well in positioning the California almond industry to comply with FSMA standards because it proactively, voluntarily created and implemented many programs that are already in line with FSMA requirements. Today, those programs are the reason that almond growers and handlers can breathe a little easier when considering the FDA’s food safety regulations. “The FDA’s recent Guidance Document is a great win for the industry, and the fact that almonds are specifically called out and listed in the notice indicates that the FDA has confidence in our systems and recognizes the effectiveness of the almond pasteurization program,” said Birmingham. If you have questions about the FDA’s March 2019 Guidance Document, please contact Tim Birmingham at tbirmingham @ almondboard.com. You are also encouraged to attend the Almond Board’s Almond Quality and Food Safety Symposium on Thursday, June 13, where you’ll hear from top food safety and regulatory experts on issues impacting your operation. Learn more at Almonds.com/ UpcomingEvents. Article contributed by Almond Board of California Blue Diamond Growers does not endorse or verify statements made by advertisers within this publication. 3 7 M A Y – J U N E 2 0 1 9