Dairy Foods Columnists - Articles

Know your rights during an FDA inspection

It is essential for dairy companies to know where FDA’s authority ends

Emily Lyons of the International Dairy Foods Association

February 5, 2018

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations represent a paradigm shift in how food is regulated in the United States to protect consumers from foodborne illness. The act and its corresponding regulations not only place more responsibility on food manufacturers, but also provide FDA with substantial new authority to use when inspecting facilities.

Flavored cheeses add distinction and generate interest

But there are several factors to consider when producing cheeses that include flavor inclusions.

John A. Lucey Ph.D., Director, Center for Dairy Research

January 10, 2018

With more than two-thirds of households purchasing flavored cheese and over 283 million pounds sold in 2016 alone, there is no denying that this category is generating a lot of interest. In fact, nearly 300 new flavored cheese products were added to the market last year, flaunting flavors such as jalapeño, smoked, herb, pimento, taco, berry, alcohol, bacon, citrus and coffee.

Dietary fiber regulations are in limbo

While waiting for regulatory decisions on the health status of fiber ingredients, dairy companies should focus on functional attributes.

Sharon Gerdes

January 3, 2018

The new Nutrition Facts regulations redefine fiber, adding a requirement that certain isolated or synthetic fiber ingredients must show a beneficial effect on human health. But implementation of those new regulations will probably be postponed until 2020.

Dairy’s clean label brings bakery back to the basics

Dairy’s clean label, functionality spur its reappearance in bakery formulations.

Terri Rexroat

January 2, 2018

Like most other food and beverage sectors, the bakery industry is adjusting to reflect the increased interest in clean eating. Bakers are finding ways to develop more nutritious sweet and savory treats by revisiting traditional recipes and using simpler ingredients.

Best practices for maintaining hygienic design

A look at key considerations to help identify and control equipment-related food safety hazards during maintenance operations.

Timothy Rugh

December 8, 2017

To the credit of FDA, a wealth of resources has been assembled to help processors develop and implement a plan to come into compliance with the Preventive Controls rules. For example, the agency created a Food Safety Plan Builder to assist owners/operators of food facilities with the development of food safety plans that are specific to their facilities and has published several guidance documents related to implementing Food Safety Modernization Act.

Columnist Phillip Tong takes a look at cultured dairy's future

Some things never change; some things are always new; other things just need refreshing.

Phillip S. Tong

December 6, 2017

I am in a reflective state of mind as I wrap up my last regular contribution to “Culturally Speaking.” While I do not advocate living in the past, there is much to be learned from what has come before us so we move smartly into the future.

How dairy is winning in Washington

With new players came a new playing field this year — and an opportunity for a new approach.

Cary Frye

December 5, 2017

The rules of engaging regulators have shifted in the Trump administration, offering new channels and increased access that create a better regulatory environment for both consumers and industry. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) quickly recognized this environment as an opportunity for a new approach. We intensified ongoing efforts to gain regulatory revisions - and, in some cases, relief - with significant results.

International Dairy Foods Association reflects on past year of rebuilding

The past 12 months have been a period of review and rebuilding for the International Dairy Foods Association.

Michael Dykes

December 4, 2017

I've just completed my first year at the helm of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), and it's truly a joy to reflect on all that's happened during that brief time. To start, let me say how much I've enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people throughout the dairy supply chain and learning about the inner workings of this dynamic industry.

The FDA proposes an extension for Nutrition Facts label changes

Dairy processors could use the new Nutrition Facts panel to highlight dairy’s nutrient powerhouse.

Sharon Gerdes

November 27, 2017

Are you rushing to update your label before the July 26, 2018, deadline? Here’s the good news: FDA recently proposed extending the compliance date for using the new Nutrition Facts panels.

The case for competitive bidding

Legislation under review in Pennsylvania could help the state dramatically reduce nitrogen runoff while reducing overall compliance costs.

Clay Detlefsen

October 13, 2017

I came to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) just over three years ago to focus on the environmental issues, as well as the challenges and opportunities, that exist for the nation’s milk producers. One opportunity that caught my attention early on was water quality trading (WQT). To this day, I am still enamored with the concept.