Barry Callebaut has risen to the task of keeping its people and products safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, relying on established protocols and implementing new ones.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to all food manufacturers, from anticipating supply issues to instituting new, even stricter safety protocols. Blommer Chocolate Co. was ready to meet these challenges head on.
While food manufacturing has been deemed “essential infrastructure,” allowing it to continue, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co. to adopt even stricter safety protocols. There’s also the challenge of meeting payroll in the face of canceled or delayed product orders.
One of the most notable consequences of the federal government shutdown was that it led to fewer food recalls. Unfortunately, that wasn’t because the food being produced during that time was safer — it was because there was less oversight.
Packaging safety is a key issue for snack and bakery producers who strive to safely maximize product shelf life. Innovations such as modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active packaging technologies are leading the way, along with tamper-resistant materials. Also, marking and coding technologies improve traceability.
Fake news is even impacting the food industry these days. Vytenis Andriukaitis, a member of the EU Commission in charge of Health and Food Safety, recently addressed the topic at Food Fest 2019.
The confectionery sector presents multiple quality control challenges to manufacturers, and product inspection systems ensure that only items in perfect condition reach the retail supply chain.