Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/675322
May 2016 | Overdrive | 15 Untitled-5 1 4/12/16 8:50 AM NEW FOOD HAULER REGS TO START NEXT YEAR The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month released a final rule that sets new standards for food haulers and others in the supply chain, such as ship- pers, that deal in the trans- portation of food products. However, carriers, shippers and receivers that bring in less than $500,000 in total annual revenue will not have to abide by its procedures. The rule's key requirements for carriers include that: (1) carriers and drivers ensure their refrigerated trailers are precooled prior to loading food, (2) carriers and drivers provide upon request by shippers and receivers proof they've main- tained the appropriate tem- perature for the food they're hauling, and (3) carriers devel- op and implement procedures that specify their practices for cleaning, sanitizing and inspect- ing their equipment. The new rule also requires that shippers inspect carriers' trailers prior to loading food products and requires any en- tity subject to its requirements to "take appropriation action to ensure that the food is not sold" if they become aware of any indication that a shipment was not kept at the proper tempera- ture during transport. The rule takes effect a year from its April 6 publication date in the Federal Register. FDA says the rule likely won't change carrier and shipper procedures, saying it essentially only codifies already existing best practices for food shipments. – James Jaillet