During AFIA's Feed Production Education Program at the IPPE Marketplace on Thursday, Leah Wilkinson, vice president of Public Policy and Education with the American Feed Industry Association, noted that FSMA inspections at feed facilities were derailed by COVID-19 in 2020.
“We had a significant amount of inspections that occurred before the pandemic hit,” she says. “But inspections were definitely interrupted by COVID-19. In April, inspections dramatically decreased and were happening ‘for cause only' for a while.”
Wilkinson noted that many citations from the latest inspections focused on insufficiencies in good hygiene practices and inadequately cleaned areas. The FDA also noted that many citations were from not having a plan in place.
“Because of COVID-19, inspection data will be difficult to trend,” says Wilkinson. “But we anticipate inspections will be gearing back up soon.”
Inspections in 2021 and beyond
With COVID-19 having such an impact on inspections, the FDA is looking at taking a comprehensive approach to inspections. Wilkinson says this would impact how they assign and conduct inspections.
Future inspections may include newer technologies as standard. For example, remote reviewing of records over Zoom or using Google glasses for self-audits may be a better use of time and resources, says Wilkinson.
“Although physical inspections are not currently occurring, be prepared,” she says. “It’s still our job to produce safe feed and pet food. Make sure employees know what to do if an inspector shows up – who to call, what can they review?
“Do some mock inspections to practice,” she concludes. “Know your food safety plan, whether your inspection is in person or remote.
“Most importantly, be prepared -- tell your story.”
