Some meat processors believe they are swimming in circles attempting to comply with potentially confusing labeling requirements from FDA and USDA.
But there is software available that can allow processors to navigate through labeling requirements: EZ Form from Washington-based Prime Label Consultants Inc.
"The ease in using EZ Form is what I like most about this software," says Jesse Waller, labeling coordinator for Kansas City, Mo.-based Farmland Foods Inc. "It's a self-teaching program. You use the help menu and self-teach yourself how to use the program. There's also instructional help you can get on the phone."
Farmland operates three hog processing facilities, slaughtering about 22,000 head a day. The company also slaughters about 7,000 head of cattle a day at two plants.
Products include luncheon meat, hot dogs, fresh sausage, fresh pork, bacon, Italian specialty meats and spiral sliced ham, as well as beef products for retail and foodservice, including its branded Black Angus beef. This translates into 4,000 to 6,000 different products a year.
"The [EZ Form] program helps me keep all of that straight [in regards to labeling]," says Waller, adding he has used EZ Form for two years. Farmland has been using it for four years.
"I have the full FDA and USDA version and its regulatory, on-line help, among other features, where the information is together in one single source," Waller says. "This eliminates the need to go to several volumes of information that may be contained in three or four different manuals. The regulations, policy memos and directives are all built in.
"When you purchase the software, you also purchase training time," he adds. "And you'll get two to three updates a year if you purchase the compliance update option of the program. This is a good option; new regulations are always coming out."
Waller has EZ Form loaded into the company's main frame computer, which is continuously backed-up and saved along with other important company information.
Electronic Expediter
EZ Form Electronic Expediter software helps processors create and print USDA Form 7234 on plain paper; access USDA labeling regulations and policy memos at the stroke of a key from a built-in library; gain support for complex multilevel formulas; supports ranges for ingredient values and changes the unit of measure at the stroke of a key; automatically sort the product formula in order of predominance; and checks spelling.
EZ Form also allows processors to:
-- Store commonly used formulas and processing procedures to a database, which eliminates retyping.
-- Design a sketch with EZ Sketch, a built-in graphical label editor.
-- Electronically transfer label applications to PLC via modem for faster approval using PLC's Electronic Data Interchange.
-- Analyze products for restricted ingredients.
-- Generate extensive reports to keep track of ingredients, approvals and plant numbers.
-- Print composite breakdowns for product formulas.
-- Access USDA export regulations from a built-in library of regulations.
In order to use EZ Form, processors need a computer (IBM 486 or better is recommended, but 386 compatible is acceptable); four megabytes or more of RAM (hard disk: 15 megabytes); and a printer (any HP LaserJet compatible; InkJet, any HP DeskJet compatible; or Dot Matrix, any Epson Dot Matrix Compatible).
Users need Sideways software if they want to use an 80-column Dot Matrix printer, or a post script capable printer to print sketches from EZ Sketch. A modem and PCAnywhere software is needed for EDI.
With a phone call, users can upgrade to the Nutrition Navigator, which guides processors through regulations, asking only a few questions in order to create compliant label.
The Nutrition Navigator has the features of the Electronic Expediter. It will analyze products and recipes using the built-in ingredient database; calculate serving size and servings per container; select valid nutrient content claims; determine FDA health claims; and create camera-ready Nutrition Facts panels in English only or Bilingual (English and Spanish).
"I'm satisfied with EZ Form and the support and service we get from Prime Label," Waller says.