No images? Click here OSHA Issues Statement on CDC Mask GuidanceOn Monday, May 17, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said in a website update that it is “reviewing the recent CDC guidance and will update our materials on this website accordingly.” Until then, it said, employers and workers should refer to the CDC guidance for information “on measures appropriate to protect fully vaccinated workers.” OSHA’s update indicates that changes may be coming to the agency’s Jan. 29 guidance urging the use of masks in the workplace, after the CDC shifted gears May 13 and recommended that fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks in most situations. GCCA is continuing to closely monitor OSHA’s stance on masks and the potential issuance of a COVID Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). COVID-19 Guidance for FSIS Personnel in PlantsOn Monday, May 17, 2021, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcing new guidance indicating that fully vaccinated people can safely participate in most activities, indoor or outdoor, without wearing a mask or social distancing, FSIS updated their guidance for in-plant personnel. Read here to learn what guidance has become effective immediately. USDA Extends the Comment Period on Supply Chains for the Production of Agricultural Commodities and Food ProductsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is providing an additional 30 days for public comments on the notice for Supply Chains for the Production of Agricultural Commodities and Food Products published in the Federal Register on April 21, 2021. Comments are now due by June 21, 2021. USDA is extending the comment period to allow additional time to receive information valuable to the preparation of the report required by the Executive Order on “America’s Supply Chains.” GCCA joined with industry partners in requesting an extension of the comment period to ensure that stakeholders can provide thoughtful and thorough feedback to this notice. GCCA will continue to work with membership to craft comments that are representative to our industry. FDA Seeks Innovative Food Traceability Tools and Opens a Dialogue on Advancing Food Safety with TechnologyA goal of the FDA’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative is to achieve end-to-end traceability – from source to table – throughout the food safety system. The FDA wants to explore ways to encourage firms to voluntarily adopt tracing technologies and ways to harmonize tracing activities, working toward outcomes that are achievable for all sectors of the food system. However, the affordability of such technologies, particularly for smaller companies, can be a barrier to adopting tech-enabled traceability systems. To achieve end-to-end food traceability, accessible tracing solutions are needed. One of the goals in the New Era of Smarter Food Safety blueprint is to encourage the development of creative financial models that are low- to no-cost solutions, proportional to benefits derived from participating, and enabling human and animal food operations of all sizes to participate in a scalable, cost-effective way. Learn more here. GCCA Hosts Monthly Covid Webinar Series On Thursday, May 20, 2021, GCCA hosted our monthly COVID-19 Webinar Series. As developments continue to unfold in response to the spread of COVID-19, we know many in the cold chain industry have questions about implications in the workplace, government actions, and funding options to help bolster your businesses. If you missed this month’s webinar series, watch the recap HERE. Call to Action: Nominate a Cold Chain Champion Do you have a colleague who you believe performs exceptional work and deserves special recognition? We are highlighting our members and their achievements on social media. Nominate yourself, your company, or your colleague for a chance to be spotlighted as a #ColdChainChampion! Submit nominations, a short explanation, and a photo to Rachael Oury at roury@gcca.org. |