What was the primary focus of the Food Safety Modernization Act?

The primary focus of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was to shift the emphasis from reactive food safety measures to preventative measures. This legislation was enacted to address the growing food safety concerns in the United States by ensuring that producers implement more proactive strategies aimed at preventing food safety issues before they occur.

By emphasizing prevention, the FSMA encourages food facilities to identify and minimize hazards that could lead to foodborne illnesses. This approach aligns with the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), which also prioritizes preventive measures to control food safety risks.

While improving food storage techniques, enhancing marketing strategies, and increasing sampling procedures are important aspects of food safety and quality, they are not the main thrust of the FSMA. The legislation specifically aims to instigate comprehensive prevention plans throughout the food supply chain.