It goes without saying that companies should follow established regulations to avoid harming consumers and prevent future lawsuits. It has been widely reported that small amounts of lead have been detected in many fruit juices. And while exposure to lead carries health risks, the FDA allows trace amounts only if they do not exceed a level deemed dangerous. For decades food and beverage companies have used that number to govern their production standards. But what happens when that number changes?
Investing in Quality Assurance
Lead allowances will soon become stricter based on regulatory actions the FDA is taking to safeguard the public. With this change comes the likelihood that juice makers will find themselves open to future lawsuits for lead poisoning. Changing federal guidelines often come as a shock to companies as they scramble to update their production and quality assurance processes. There are actions food and beverage companies need to take now to avoid trouble down the line.
High-quality goods that pass regulatory requirements rely on robust production methods. Putting money and resources into your production process now will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Thorough Legal Protection
No amount of preparation will ever prevent all future lawsuits. Eventually, a person may become injured by your product despite all of the steps you take to ensure it is safe. You must be ready with a legal team well-versed in defending against personal injury claims that can move quickly and respond aggressively to defend your interests against future lawsuits.
“Good Enough for Now” Isn’t a Sustainable Strategy
Who decides whether a product is safe? Sometimes it is the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, or another regulatory body. Sometimes it’s a concerned parent, and sometimes it is a Court following a lawsuit. Regardless, it is always prudent to invest wisely in establishing and implementing effective safety protocols in your production process.