Essay on the Auditing of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

The auditing of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) takes the form of a 12- part webinar series presented by the Food Institution and the premier FDA/ USDA law firm. The Webinar series that saw the establishment of Food Safety Modernization Act describes best its auditing (Klein, 2013). To begin with, Webinar #1 that was initiated on May 25, 2011, discussed vital topics such as requirements for facilities that deal with food and are registered plus the requirements for imported food staff, vigorous inspection of food facilities, the standard of their performance, lab testing. Webinar #2 of June 28, 2011, was all about the implementation and enforcement of FSMA include its analysis and its preventive controls such as food security. Webinar #3 that was handled in the monetary aspect such as the inspection fee, and other aspects such as recordkeeping. Webinar #4 summarized the 2011 part of the series on December 13, 2011, with topics of discussion including updates of its implementation, the defensive plan for food and the provisions of FSMA. In 2012.

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Webinar #5 series took effect with the installation of the new regulations, access to Food Safety Modernization Act, and 2013 presenting itself with the Webinar #6 and Webinar #7 series discussing issues on matters of Compliance regulations amendments and the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for Importers and Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors/Certification Bodies respectively. Webinar #8, 9, 10 and 11 saw the finally stages for the implementation of FSMA with took effect after being passed as law by the former President Obama on January 4, 2011 (Center for Effective Government, 2011). The above series focused on mitigation strategies to protect food against Intentional Adulteration, the potential impact of the proposed changes which all together saw the finalization of the formulation of Food Safety Modernization Act.

The ethical conduct of auditing in FSMA focuses on Honesty which describes the relationship with the public to obtain facts as far as food security issues are concerned, patience to carry out the food services and activities despite the decisions made, kindness for the efficient cooperation between the clients and stakeholders. Ethical conducts work for the benefit of all the stakeholders in the FSMA auditing and are affected by the Act (Layton, 2009). Food Safety Modernization Act is a United States initiative to improve food security across the world. Therefore, it is important to present every country fairly especially food insecurity affected the Nation States. For example, countries in third world counties and economically handicapped to be given first consideration to elevating the economic status

Food Safety Modernization tends to address the issue of depending on other states for food aid. It requires every state to be able to should be able to depend on its resources in orders to provide food security to its citizens and trade fairly in the global market. The Food Safety Modernization is an important concept that addresses the question of food insecurity, non- exploitation of food consumers, regulation of food importation and exportation which prevents misuse of food, modernized production system. For example, the rules and regulation of FSMA control the transaction of drugs across the country and overseas, as a result, the spread of illegal drugs can be prevented from crossing the boarders. Additionally, through the amendments of compliance regulation to suit every stake holders, it creates international friendship that in turn encourages inter- continental trade. Most third world countries are the beneficiaries of the FSMA since food insecurity is majorly rampant in such Nation State. This is due to natural calamities such as drought, floods that affect third world Nation State.

Despite the fact that FSMA of great benefit to most countries across the, it has a few disadvantages of its own. For example, some countries cannot afford to implement Food Safety Modernization system due to lack of funds, the law of their respective lands does not accommodate FSMA, both internal and external conflicts. Additionally, FSMA works on the basis all nation- states are equal economically, politically and socially, which is not the case. Therefore, implementation of the Act works only to favor the economically stable at the expense of poor nation states. For example, the requirements of FSMA as stipulated during the auditing process can't be met by some countries; the food defensive plan cannot be implemented by some states.

With different changes brought by FSMA, it forces different scheme to do changes within their systems. For example, changes in the registration requirement call for schemes such as Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) to re- address the registration in order not to fall on the wrong side of the law as per the requirements of FSMA. Additionally, the operation of these firms is also limited to the capacity under the FSMA Act. Basically, auditing schemes like Global Food Safety Initiative plays crucial role in ensuring food safety auditing is in line with the set laws and regulations of Food Safety Modernization Act (Layton, 2009).

Reference

Klein, Jeffrey (November 8, 2013). "FDA's Proposed Rules May Affect Breweries and Distilleries". LaszloLaw.Layton, Lyndsey (July 31, 2009).

"House Approves Food-Safety Bill; Law Would Expand FDA's Power". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 20, 2011.

"President Obama Signs Landmark Food Safety Bill." Center for Effective Government. January 4, 2011.