Originally signed into law in 2011 the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) aims at protecting consumers through more in depth preventative action. FSMA provides the FDA broad new powers to prevent food safety problems, detect and respond to food safety issues and  improve the safety of imported foods. FSMA intends this preventative action before issues arise through higher expectations of compliance and standards. There will be staggered regulations starting in August of this year. Prevention and traceability are two of the main focuses going forward with the FSMA.  The FDA wants documented plans showing how facilities prevent food safety hazards as well as documented procedures if an incident were to occur.  The FDA also plans to enhance its traceability of domestic and imported goods as they want to have a record of high risk foods to prevent possible outbreaks. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is the most sweeping reform of our food safety laws in more than 70 years. With these new rulings the FDA has the authority to recall any item deemed unsafe for consumers.  It is imperative that producers invest in proper documentation practices, labeling standards and product traceability to avoid any stoppage in production. To see more details on the FSMA follow the link below. http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm239907.htm