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Bakery

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Five Ways an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Can Help You Comply With FSMA

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is front and center for most food processors yet managing the regulatory and reporting requirements can be taxing and time consuming. Many food processors are investing in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to more efficiently manage the process, allowing for better data collection, analysis, documentation, and reporting tools. Using an ERP program to manage your plant’s food safety program will improve your audit results, reduce food safety-related incidents and investigations, improve product quality and ultimately increase operational efficiencies.

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The FDA Invites Comments from Food Processors on Proposed New FSMA Rules

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a new strategy document that outlines the agency’s guiding principles for implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This latest move by the FDA is designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration between the agency and the food industry as FSMA moves into its next phase – the effective and efficient implementation of the new standards.

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Six Reasons to Consider a CO2/NH3 Cascade Refrigeration System

 Food processors and distributors are under constant pressure to produce more while spending less on operations. For plant owners looking for greener and more efficient secondary refrigerants, a carbon dioxide (CO2)/ammonia (NH3) cascade system is a viable option. In addition to providing 0 ozone depletion potential (ODP) and 1 global warming potential (GWP), CO2/NH3 cascade systems offer several benefits for food processing and low-temp distribution facilities including:

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Europe is Shaping the Industry in the Utilization of Natural Refrigerants

European countries are at the forefront of efforts to reduce the use of industrial refrigerants that harm the ozone layer and lead to global warming. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, called for phasing out the use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) like Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

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Pros and Cons of Popular Industrial Refrigerants

As R22 refrigerants are being phased out, many food processing facilities are re-evaluating their industrial refrigerants due to environmental concerns, legislative requirements and cost efficiency. In selecting a long-term refrigerant, it is important to consider your system’s requirements and the operational considerations / limitations of each refrigerant. Equally important are the refrigerant’s safety, impact on the environment, and performance. Continue Reading “Pros and Cons of Popular Industrial Refrigerants”

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Your Checklist for Risk Management Program Updates Required in 2014

Food processing facilities that use certain flammable and toxic substances in amounts that exceed threshold quantity must have a documented Risk Management Program (RMP) per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Companies must also update and resubmit their RMP every five years and 2014 marks one of those five year cycles.

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The Importance of Detailed Standard Operating Procedures

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that PSM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provide instructions clear enough that employees will be able to effectively utilize them. SOPs must be documented in sufficient detail and provide specific direction so that employees can follow the procedures and determine how to safely perform service and maintenance activities.

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Eight Reasons to Ditch the Paper and Go Digital with PSM

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) mandates Process Safety Management (PSM) for industries involved with highly hazardous chemicals. For example, food processors often have large ammonia refrigeration systems and must comply with OSHA standard 1910.119, or Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals.

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Two Approaches, One Goal: Reducing Your Ammonia Charge

Efficiency and low cost are the major reasons ammonia is the preferred industrial refrigerant in the food processing industry. Ammonia is often a natural refrigerant and has no ODP/GWP. However, ammonia is a dangerous substance and there are several advantages to lowering the overall amount of ammonia used at a facility.

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