Food Companies Should Plan for Outbreak Response Before it Occurs, Act Quickly to Shape Outcome

In the end, our own mantra is “proudly defending the hard-working people who feed our families.” We believe strongly in this statement and what it means. Having worked with food companies for nearly a decade, we have observed firsthand the valiant efforts of the hard-working individuals and food companies who labor tirelessly to improve the safety of our food. In most cases, we will also have a great story to tell about the significant efforts our clients undertake to ensure that the food they sell—and feed to their families—is as safe as it can be.

Although we enjoy one of the safest and most affordable food supplies in the world, we continue to face incredible risk. Because of improved surveillance, increased scrutiny from regulators, and the swelling interest of the media and lawyers, fewer mistakes are avoiding detection. It is critical for all companies to remember that, if there is a chance that your product can be contaminated, there is a significant chance that the contamination, whether through downstream testing or an emerging outbreak, will be found.

If it also critical for all food companies to begin planning and preparing for this contingency today. No matter how hard you try, there are—and perhaps always will be—a few colonies of pathogenic bacteria in your equipment or coolers waiting patiently to wreak havoc in your business and lives.

Shawn Stevens, an attorney at Gass Weber Mullins LLC in Milwaukee, Wis., counsels food industry clients nationally on food safety regulatory and liability issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or (414) 224-7784.