In March, federal inspectors found the strain of salmonella behind a recent food-poisoning outbreak at the ConAgra Foods Inc. plant that produced tainted peanut butter. In February, ConAgra recalled all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter made at the Sylvester, Ga., plant after federal health officials linked the product to an outbreak that began in August. The recall now includes all such products made since December 2005. The FDA said finding the salmonella in the plant environment further suggests the contamination likely took place before the product reached consumers. In manufacturers' ongoing quest to be more proficient, quality-driven, and of course, compliant with federal regulations, more and more are initiating formal programs and technologies to avoid costly mistakes like the peanut butter SNAFU, and to stay ahead of the compliance curve. Using good automated manufacturing practices (GAMP) and process analytical technologies (PAT) are two ways manufacturers can make sure they not only shine in FDA audits, but keep consumers healthy with better, safer products.
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