MMTC Providing Food Safety Programs To Help Michigan Food Processors With New Federal Law

PLYMOUTH -- For years the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has been working with Michigan food processors to help improve plant safety and efficiency. In an effort to provide even more value to Michigan Food Processors, the MMTC has created a formal food safety program.

The program, named "Food Safety Champion," is a comprehensive deliverable that helps Michigan food processors with the implementation of a food safety program that will establish a solid foundation for any of the Global Food Safety Initiative benchmarked food safety standards that are required by many retailers like Wal-Mart and Kroger.

A solid, auditable food safety plan combined with overall process improvements is now even more critical with the passing of the Food Safety Modernization Act. FSMA is the most sweeping reform in food safety in the last seventy years, giving the Food and Drug Administration new and enhanced authority when it comes to food safety and protecting public health. Under FSMA, food processors are required to have a documented food safety plan that can be audited by the FDA. FSMA also gives the FDA the power to enact mandatory safety related food recalls.

"We have been involved with many food processors in the past, providing top and bottom line improvements for companies like Garden Fresh and Michigan Sugar," said MMTC president Mike Coast. "With the passing of FSMA, we felt it was time to create a formal program focused on food processors that combines our 22 years of process improvement experience with a new emphasis on food safety."

In addition to Food Safety Champion, MMTC has partnered with NSF International to deliver two day Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Manager training throughout the state. The HACCP classes will be held at the MMTC regional locations through the course of the year.

MMTC will be running its Spring Food Safety Champion Course at its Plymouth, location the week of May 6, with several other sessions to run throughout the year.

Food Safety Champion is a state-wide program and is supported by all five MMTC regional offices. For more information about Food Safety Champion or HACCAP Manager Training, or to register for the upcoming courses, please go to the MMTC website at www.mmtc.org

Since 1991, MMTC has assisted Michigan's small and medium-sized businesses compete and grow. Through personalized services fitted to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as Michigan's National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate, we bring well-tested services to our MEP clients. Clients of the MMTC reported during the most recent full year survey sales gains of $62.3 million, with retention of $85.2 million in sales, investments of $53.6 million, cost savings of $17.6 million and 1,308 jobs created or retained as a direct result of their work with MMTC.

Headquartered in Plymouth, the MMTC has affiliate offices located throughout the state to serve Michigan manufacturers. Visit our website at www.mmtc.org.