Foodborne illness outbreaks are a publicity nightmare, plain and simple. In the era of social media, consumers are using Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and other forums to voice their every complaint. You can pretty much bet that the news of a single case of food poisoning will spread to hundreds or thousands of people in a mere matter of minutes.

Written by SmartSense | March 11, 2020 | Food Safety, FSMA

Every organization involved with the food supply chain shares responsibility for the safety of food. Essential components of the chain include growing, processing, packaging, labeling, distributing, storing, preparing, selling, and serving food. At each of these stages of the industrial food system, food products may be exposed to various levels of risk.

Written by SmartSense | March 3, 2020 | Food Safety, HACCP, FSMA

How do we improve traceability in food value chains? A recent report by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with McKinsey & Company outlines in great detail new strategies that stakeholders can take advantage of. They explore ways within complex and extended supply chains that those responsible for marketing perishable goods can take to improve the traceability of food shipments within their value chains as...

Written by SmartSense | February 26, 2020 | Food Safety, Supply Chain

Refrigerated and temperature-controlled cargo is becoming more popular as more commodities require specific climate conditions for transport. More and more goods are traveling around the globe, and often these commodities have a higher value because of their perishable characteristics. This includes produce and other food perishables as well as pharmaceuticals and medicinal products that must be kept in a...

Written by SmartSense | February 20, 2020 | Food Safety, FSMA, Supply Chain

California has experienced unusual weather throughout its 169 year history, but more recently the most populous U.S. state has seen widespread droughts and severe wind. This has caused utility companies to take proactive measures to prevent wildfires - another issue this state is no stranger to. Drought and wind contribute to starting wildfires, leading to the difficult decision of cutting off power for customers.

Written by SmartSense | February 18, 2020 | Food Safety, Supply Chain

Delano, California is grape country. The northern California town is located about 30 miles from Bakersfield, and is the home of grape growers. It's also the site of the 1965 Delano grape strike led by then activist Cesar Chavez of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). At the time he led the workers seeking improvements in farm workers wages and working conditions.

Written by SmartSense | February 6, 2020 | Food Safety, Supply Chain