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Food Safety Culture in US CPG: Strengthening or Weakening? 

October 9, 2024
Lukas Vanterpool

The Culture of Food Safety in the U.S. CPG Sector: Has the Focus Strengthened or Weakened? 

Food safety has always been a critical concern in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector, and rightly so, but its prominence has evolved as public awareness, regulations, and company practices have shifted. The U.S. food safety landscape is shaped by both internal factors within companies and external pressures from regulations and public demand. With rising concerns around foodborne illnesses, allergen contamination, and sustainability, companies must stay vigilant to protect consumers and their brand reputation, which cements the fact that getting the right people in the right positions with CPG recruitment is critical to the culture of safety.  

This blog explores the current state of food safety in the U.S. CPG sector, examining whether regulations have tightened or weakened, identifying key trends and challenges, and highlighting how hiring practices can strengthen food safety culture. 

1. Tightening or Weakening? The Current State of Food Safety Legislation 

In recent years, food safety legislation in the United States has seen some tightening as consumer concerns grow. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been instrumental in updating food safety protocols to protect consumers from contamination, particularly in response to high-profile outbreaks. 

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 

Enacted in 2011, FSMA marked a shift toward prevention rather than reaction. Over the last decade, regulations under FSMA have become more stringent, requiring companies to proactively manage risks at every step of the supply chain. As of 2023, FSMA continues to influence how CPG companies implement food safety protocols.  

A 2022 report from the FDA highlighted that 80% of U.S. food facilities now follow preventive controls for human food (PCHF), significantly reducing contamination risks. 

Tightening of Allergen Labeling Laws 

In 2023, the FDA introduced stricter guidelines for food labeling, particularly around allergens. With approximately 32 million Americans living with food allergies, the agency’s new regulations require clearer identification of allergens, minimizing the risk of mislabeling.  

This step demonstrates the FDA’s commitment to consumer safety, especially as food allergies become a more prominent public health concern. 

Recent Reports of Lax Enforcement 

Despite legislative improvements, concerns over enforcement have surfaced. A 2023 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicated gaps in FDA inspections, noting that some high-risk facilities hadn’t been inspected in over five years. This has raised concerns that while the regulatory framework is strong, its execution may falter due to limited resources. 

Key takeway : While legislation has mostly strengthened over the past decade, with increased attention to prevention and labeling, enforcement remains a challenge. Companies must therefore adopt a proactive stance, ensuring food safety protocols are not only compliant but exceed regulatory standards to avoid costly recalls or outbreaks. 

2. Food Safety Trends and Public Concerns 

Consumer demand for transparency and safety is at an all-time high, driven by a growing awareness of foodborne illnesses, contamination risks, and clean-label products. 

Increased Demand for Transparency 

The 2023 Global Food Safety Survey by Mintel found that 73% of U.S. consumers are concerned about food contamination, with 68% expecting companies to be transparent about food sourcing and safety measures.  

This pressure for transparency is pushing CPG companies to adopt more visible safety protocols, such as traceable supply chains and blockchain technology. 

Rise of Clean-Label Movement 

Clean-label products, free from artificial additives and preservatives, are increasingly in demand. However, clean labels must not compromise food safety. A 2023 report by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) revealed that 59% of consumers seek clean-label products but remain cautious about whether these products maintain high safety standards, especially in terms of preservation and shelf life. 

Common Foodborne Illnesses and Outbreaks 

Foodborne illnesses continue to be a public concern, with the most common culprits being Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. In 2023 alone, there were several high-profile outbreaks linked to produce and poultry, highlighting the need for stricter controls, particularly in processing environments. The CDC reports that foodborne pathogens cause an estimated 48 million illnesses and 3,000 deaths each year in the U.S. 

Key takeaway: Public concerns about food safety are growing, driven by fears of contamination, allergies, and the demand for clean-label products. CPG companies must strike a balance between meeting consumer preferences for transparency and natural products while ensuring robust safety measures are in place. 

3. The Root of the Issue: Internal Culture vs. External Regulation 

Food safety is influenced by both internal company culture and external regulations. While legislation provides a necessary framework, internal practices often determine the true level of safety. 

Internal Culture and Company Leadership 

A strong internal food safety culture is critical. Companies that prioritize safety from the top down are better positioned to avoid contamination issues. A 2022 study by the Food Safety Magazine found that 74% of food safety lapses could be attributed to poor company culture, including inadequate training, lack of leadership buy-in, and insufficient communication about safety standards. 

External Pressures 

While regulations play a key role, they cannot cover every aspect of a company’s operations. In the case of the 2018 Romaine Lettuce E. coli Outbreak, it became clear that while regulations were in place, gaps in supply chain communication and internal practices led to the contamination, resulting in 210 confirmed cases and 5 deaths. 

Key takeaway: Internal culture is as important, if not more so, than external regulation. CPG companies must embed a culture of safety at every level, from the factory floor to the executive boardroom, to ensure that safety protocols are not just followed but ingrained in daily operations. 

4. How Hiring Policies Can Strengthen Food Safety Culture 

Hiring the right talent is crucial for maintaining a strong food safety culture. Recruiting for both technical expertise and values aligned with safety can make a significant impact. 

Hiring for Food Safety Expertise 

A focus on recruiting talent with a deep understanding of food safety is critical. According to a 2023 report from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), 65% of CPG companies that experienced a food safety breach in the past five years cited a lack of qualified food safety personnel as a contributing factor.  

Hiring skilled food safety professionals, such as quality assurance (QA) managers and regulatory compliance officers, is essential for preventing safety breaches. 

3: Embedding Safety in Company Values 

 Beyond technical skills, companies must hire individuals who prioritize safety in their decision-making. When safety becomes a core company value, employees are more likely to follow through on safety protocols.  

For example, Tyson Foods, which faced food safety challenges in the past, revamped its hiring and training processes in 2021. By hiring food safety experts and implementing strict training protocols, the company was able to improve its safety track record and avoid major recalls in 2022. 

Ongoing Training and Development 

Hiring practices should also emphasize continuous learning. The food safety landscape is ever-changing, and employees need to stay informed about the latest best practices and technologies. Providing regular food safety training can mitigate risks, as demonstrated by Blue Bell Creameries, which, after a major listeria outbreak in 2015, overhauled its training programs. This move helped rebuild trust and prevent further outbreaks. 

Key takeaway: CPG hiring for both technical expertise and a commitment to safety can have a profound impact on a company’s food safety culture. CPG companies must focus on building a workforce that not only understands food safety but values it as a top priority. 

Final Thoughts: Moving Forward in Food Safety 

As the U.S. food safety landscape continues to evolve, CPG companies must take a proactive approach to safeguarding their products and consumers. Legislation is increasingly focused on prevention and transparency, but enforcement challenges remain. At the same time, consumer expectations are higher than ever, particularly in relation to clean labels and food transparency. 

To meet these demands, companies must invest in fostering a strong internal culture of safety, driven by hiring skilled and safety-conscious employees. Building a resilient food safety culture through hiring, training, and leadership can help CPG companies not only meet regulatory standards but also exceed consumer expectations in an increasingly competitive market. 

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About The Author

Lukas Vanterpool

I started The Sterling Choice with Gareth Whyatt back in August 2013. We’ve always remained true to ourselves and what it is we’re trying to achieve – A great company with great people and great results! This journey never stops, we are always finding ways to support our colleagues and make sure they leave every day feeling fulfilled.

Over the years I’ve always been asked “what’s your USP??, what makes you different from all the other agencies??”. That’s an easy one for me to answer – “Our culture makes our business and our people make our culture”

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