While still being released at a staggered pace, some compliance and enforcement deadlines for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) are finally seeing the light of day. With U.S. Food and Drug Administration oversight, FSMA aims to ensure a safe food supply by enforcing legislation to prevent contamination. Its introduction caused food producers across North America to evaluate food processes and machinery, much of which required investment to meet the new law.

As a result of this legislation, food processors are placing an increased emphasis on hygienic design and machines made from stainless steel, which is easier to clean and resistant to harsh chemical cleaning products. In fact, nearly three out of four end users surveyed in the Trends in Food Processing Operations report, produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, cited cleanability as the No. 1 machine improvement desired on new equipment.

These manufacturers also are embracing technology such as clean-in-place and high-pressure processing to improve sanitation and food quality