The Food and Drug Administration is in “listening mode” when it comes to the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, according to Stephen Ostroff, M.D., the new deputy commissioner of food and veterinary medicine for the agency.

“There’s no guarantee that we dotted all the ‘i’s and crossed all the ‘t’s exactly right as we finalized these regulations,” he said in a recent FDA blog. “We really do need to hear from stakeholders on what aspects of the regulations are working as anticipated and if there are aspects that are not working as we envisioned.”

Dairy professionals will have the opportunity next week to discuss these and other issues affecting dairy with Ostroff as he delivers his first keynote speech at IDFA’s Regulatory RoundUP, June 13-14 in Washington, D.C. In his presentation, “FDA Priorities from the Top,” Ostroff will share what dairy companies can expect from FDA in the coming months. He’ll also discuss how the agency is preparing for the upcoming compliance deadlines mandated by FSMA and taking steps to train new inspectors for implementation.

The new requirements for the Nutrition Facts panel, changes to serving sizes and the new draft guidelines for sodium reduction that affect dairy foods are other priorities that Ostroff plans to address.

IDFA’s Regulatory RoundUP allows dairy professionals to meet face to face with decision-makers and regulatory officials who have direct responsibility for the rules that affect dairy plants, products and personnel. In addition to Ostroff, Regulatory RoundUP will feature other officials from FDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice. Attendees will also hear from food industry executives about the importance of collaboration with regulators.

Registration for the event is available here.

Stay for Advocacy Days

IDFA members registered for Regulatory RoundUP are encouraged to stay and participate in IDFA’s Advocacy Days, June 14-15 in Washington, D.C. The annual legislative fly-in provides opportunities for members to meet with legislators on Capitol Hill and discuss dairy industry issues and concerns. Members registered for Regulatory RoundUP and Advocacy Days will receive a discount on registration.

For more information, contact Maria Velasco, IDFA meetings coordinator and registrar, at mvelasco@idfa.org.