As we predicted, FDA extended the comment periods for its proposed FSMA rules covering FSVP and the 3rd-Party Accreditation Program. The new deadline is January 27, 2014. These new food safety rules have significant implications for everyone in the food industry – foreign or domestic – and represent a dramatic change in FDA’s attitude towards food safety. FSVP will significantly increase the responsibilities of importers for food safety and it will initiate a reversal in industry focus on compliance of imported foods. In addition to importers seeking evidence that their foreign manufacturers are meeting US food safety standards, foreign food manufacturers will also begin documenting U.S. importer compliance with FSVP. The 3rd-Party Accreditation Program will change the landscape of inspections and foreign food safety, as it will provide for organizations other than FDA to perform food safety audits and certification.
Everyone in the food industry will be affected by these rules. Consider how they will affect your business – and speak back to FDA! Contact us today for assistance in understanding how the proposed rules will affect your individual situation, or for assistance in writing and submitting comments.
