September 2025 Newsletter

Turning Over a New Leaf

As we move into September, it is a natural time to embrace change and growth. This transition marks an opportunity to review programs, strengthen compliance measures, and prepare for the months ahead. At HCG, we are here to support you with training, auditing, and consulting services that keep your organization confident, compliant, and ready for success.

This season of change is true for us as well. We are entering the last quarter of 2025 with new energy as we welcome Deanna Brown as a partner, prepare to expand our team with an additional bilingual consultant, introduce new two-hour course formats, and begin preparations for the release of SQF Code Edition 10. Each of these steps strengthens our ability to serve your needs while keeping pace with the evolving food safety landscape.

Growth also happens through conversation. As consultants, we provide feedback and guidance to help strengthen your programs, but we also rely on your input to ensure our training and services remain practical, relevant, and impactful. Share your thoughts and help us continue raising the bar together.

Share Your Thoughts

Understanding PFAS in Our Food

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries and consumer products since the 1940s. These chemicals are known for their resistance to grease, oil, water, and heat, making them useful in a wide range of applications. However, they are also persistent in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, leading to potential health concerns.

Recently “Quality & Food Safety Insights – Food Safety Experts” published an excellent article titled “Understanding PFAS in Our Food – Why PFAS in Food and Feed Matters and What the New Rules Say” (here).

Focused primarily on European Union regulations, the article summarizes requirements related to PFAS levels in food packaging, drinking water, meat and meat products, seafood, and egg and egg products. The article also discusses “Who Needs to Act” identifying meat and meat processors, seafood producers, and Food Safety Teams. Additional information is also available regarding balancing PFAS monitoring in unlisted raw materials; rationale against routine monitoring in products without specific limits; and, when monitoring PFAS in food might still be advisable.

FDA has also focused on PFAS since at least 2019 and has recently published a Constituent Update in 2024 (see attached) on their results of testing the general food supply. No PFAS have been detected in over 97% (785 out of 810) of the fresh and processed foods tested from the TDS to date. FDA did detect PFAS in six samples — one beef and one cod sample, and one sample each of shrimp, salmon, catfish, and tilapia. FDA will continue to analyze samples to increase the number of samples analyzed with the goal of accurately estimating U.S. consumers’ exposure to PFAS from foods. FDA intends to analyze a wide array of foods including bread and grains; fruits and vegetables; and, meat, eggs, and dairy products, including milk. FDA has also identified PFAS in its Human Food Program (HFP) FY 2025 Priority Deliverables

Where applicable, the impact of PFAS on the commodities discussed above should be discussed in Food Safety Team meetings and decisions documented on whether changes (or no changes) are appropriate in its food safety system.

If HCG can be of assistance, please contact us at info@haccpcg.com.

Latest Industry News

Compendium of Microbiological Criteria for Food

Food Standards Australia New Zealand 2025 recently published a Compendium of Microbiological Criteria for Food that may be of interest to review and maintain as supporting documentation for your Food Safety system. (see attached)

Microbiological testing can play an important role in food safety management if the reason for testing is clear and the test applied is appropriate. The Compendium of Microbiological Criteria for Food is a compilation of process hygiene criteria that have been established for specific food commodities and microbiological guideline criteria used for ready-to-eat foods. It supersedes the previous guidelines for the microbiological examination of ready-to-eat foods.

Upcoming Training

Noncompliance Records (NRs): Responding Effectively and Navigating the Appeals Process

Live Virtual Seminar – November 19, 2025

11:00 am–1:00 pm EST

When an FSIS inspector issues a Noncompliance Record (NR), your response can make all the difference. A timely, effective reply not only resolves the immediate issue but also helps protect your operation from repeat findings or further enforcement actions.

This 2-hour live virtual seminar will provide practical tools and strategies to manage NRs with confidence. You’ll learn the corrective actions needed for SPS, SSOP, and HACCP NRs, as well as how to navigate the appeals process step by step. From when and how to file an appeal, to what documentation to include and where to send it, you’ll leave with clear, actionable guidance to strengthen compliance practices.

What You Will Learn

How to craft effective responses to NRs for SPS, SSOP, and HACCP
The complete NR appeals process, including timelines and documentation requirements
Best practices for working with FSIS during and after an NR
Strategies to protect your operation and ensure regulatory compliance

Who Should Attend

Small and very small USDA-inspected food processing facilities
Regulatory compliance and quality assurance professionals
FSIS inspection liaisons and facility management teams
Operations or plant supervisors
Legal or consulting professionals supporting food industry clients

Don’t leave your compliance strategy to chance. Join us on November 19 to build the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively and safeguard your operation.