|
Shawn Stevens talks about food packaging regulations
 | | Shawn Stevens |
Shawn K. Stevens, one of the few attorneys in the U.S. whose entire practice is in representing the food industry, will bring his expertise to the packaging conference Focal Point 2014 on October 14 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Register now and save $70.
Stevens will present "Where Food Packaging and FDA Regulation and Enforcement Collide: How to Package Your Risk on the New Food Safety Battleground." We asked Stevens, in an email interview, to talk about his role, to comment on current regulations impacting the food packaging industry, and to provide a brief preview of his presentation. WIST: Please can you describe the role Gass Weber Mullins plays in food packaging and legislation matters? Shawn Stevens: Packaging is meant to preserve and protect the safety of food, not increase its exposure and risk. When it passed the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Congress gave FDA the enormous responsibility of substantially improving the safety of our food supply. The new law imposes significant new legal and regulatory requirements on the food industry, and gives FDA vast new enforcement powers. For the first time ever, FDA regulated food companies will be required to closely scrutinize every aspect of their operations (including their packaging) to identify and contain any potential food safety risk. WIST: What is the single biggest regulatory issue currently impacting food packaging manufacturers and converters? Shawn Stevens: There are a number of rules FDA is finalizing that will impact the food packaging industry substantially. The first is that all FDA regulated food companies will be required to develop and implement written preventative control plans. These written food safety plans will require food companies to methodically assess and critique every possible food safety hazard that may influence their product. WIST: What can delegates expect to take away from the conference after listening to your presentation? Shawn Stevens: I am excited to speak on this topic. As noted, FSMA has substantial implications for the food packaging industry. I will provide delegates with a clear understanding of what FDA (and, by extension the food industry as a whole) will expect and require of the food packaging industry under the new FSMA regulations. Armed with sufficient knowledge about those expectations, food packaging companies will be able to adjust their approach today to ensure that they are aligned with the new FSMA requirements and, hopefully, by doing so, gain a distinct competitive advantage tomorrow. About Focal Point 2014  This conference will target the latest challenges and solutions in food and beverage packaging and converting across the value chain. Industry experts will discuss sustainable sourcing of paper, development of specialty packaging materials, end-of-product-life choices. Register online for Focal Point 2014. Early registration is $180 through September 19. | 
