FDA Tobacco Stings
The Florida Grocers Association has learned of an effort by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to increase the enforcement of legal tobacco sales (18 years of age).  To remind our members – the FDA has a regulation that requires retailers to check IDs of anyone appearing to be 27 years of age or less.  The FDA has contracted with a private firm to conduct these stings and so you can be assured that the enforcement process will be increased.  NOW IS THE TIME TO RETRAIN – REENFORCE WITH YOUR CASHIERS/SALES ASSOCIATES – THE PROPER CHECKING OF IDS FOR ANYONE APPEARING 27 OR YOUNGER.  Please click on this link for more FDA information.

FDA Menu Labeling
According to FMI, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act, introduced by Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Angus King, I-Maine, would:

• Define “standard menu items” that require labeling as those prepared routinely at 20 or more locations.
• Allow retailers to use menu boards instead of individually labeling each item.
• Allow a store to take corrective actions within 90 days prior to enforcement and protect again class-action lawsuits.
• Provide flexibility within “reasonable basis” standards, in-store certifications, remote-ordering, multi-serving and variable items.

The Florida Grocers Association is in full support of this legislative initiative in the US Senate. While this legislation does not eliminate the onerous Menu Labeling regulation – it does make it much more reasonable.
 
FGA has contacted both Florida Senators, asking for their support of this helpful legislation.

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Technical Assistance Network is now operational and providing technical assistance to industry, regulators, academia, consumers and others regarding FSMA implementation.

The Technical Assistance Network will address questions related to the FSMA rules, FSMA programs, and implementation strategies after the rules are final. We encourage stakeholders to first visit FDA’s FSMA webpage at www.fda.gov/fsma, which contains detailed information on all aspects of FSMA, including implementation. The webpage includes Frequently Asked Questions about FSMA by topic area. FDA is implementing the Technical Assistance Network in two phases:

• Phase 1 addresses inquiries related to the publication of FSMA rules and is operational.
• Phase 2 will provide technical assistance to FDA and State staff performing inspections and supporting compliance activities; it will be implemented by 2017 when preventive controls inspections are targeted to begin.

Below are the key features of the Technical Assistance Network:

• Inquiries may be submitted through a web form. The web form can be accessed at www.fda.gov/fsma. Go to Contact Us and then How to Contact FDA on FSMA.
• Inquiries are answered by FDA Information Specialists or Subject Matter Experts, based on the complexity of the question. Complicated questions may require more time for a response. FDA will respond to inquiries received as soon as possible. However, response times may vary, due to complexity of question and the volume of inquiries we receive.
• Once a question is submitted, the inquirer will receive notification of receipt and a case number to be referenced in future correspondence.

This message is broadcast by the Division of Communications, Office of Communications and Quality Program Management.

The Florida Grocers Association will continue to publish helpful information on FSMA as this new set of laws and standards becomes effective over the next two years.

Legislative Days at the Capitol
SAVE THE DATES...January 20-22, 2016 - Doubletree Hotel, Tallahassee, FL.  Please click for complete details, including registration, agenda and reservation link.