Ethanol plants across the U.S. are stepping up their game to comply with new food safety rules. These regulations focus on what livestock are fed, specifically distiller’s grains produced from ethanol.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires these plants to maintain strict guidelines. According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), distiller’s grains are a key food source for livestock globally. Therefore, it is essential to track everything from the corn that enters the plant to the feed that leaves it.
Justin Schultz, RFA’s Director of Environment, Health & Safety, emphasizes how important it is to document this process. He explains, “If you’re producing distiller grain for livestock, you want to trace every step. This includes where the corn was sourced, how it’s processed, and how it’s eventually fed to animals.”
Next month, Schultz will lead a two-and-a-half-day training course in South Dakota. This program focuses on hazard analysis and preventive measures specific to the ethanol industry. The training, recognized by the FDA, consists of 20 hours of curriculum developed by the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance. It’s open to both members and non-members of the RFA.
Regulations are changing, and Schultz notes that the demand for this kind of training is increasing. Producers should seize this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and ensure compliance.
In recent years, the link between food safety and livestock feed has gained significant attention. In 2021, a study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration showed that about 50% of livestock producers are concerned about feed safety. This underscores the urgency for producers to adopt best practices.
As interest in this topic grows, conversations on social media highlight the public’s rising awareness about food safety from farm to table. People are increasingly looking for transparency in their food sources. The more producers can provide this, the better they can meet consumer demand and regulatory requirements.
For more information on the Food Safety Modernization Act, visit the FDA’s official page.
