FDA Takes New Steps in Oversight of Imported Foods

FDA announced that it has recognized the first accreditation body under the voluntary Accredited Third-Party Certification Program created by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The organization being recognized is ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), an organization jointly owned by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ) based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This organization is being recognized because it met the applicable FDA requirements, validated through application review and on-site assessment.  FDA is recognizing ANAB for a five year term of recognition. (For more information on FDA’s standards for recognition, see: Key Facts about the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program)

On January 23, 2018, we advised you that FDA has also launched the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP), a voluntary fee-based program which offers expedited review and entry of human and animal food into the United States. Importers interested in participating in VQIP will be required to meet a number of eligibility requirements, which include ensuring the facilities of their foreign supplier are certified under the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program.

These programs are additional tools FDA is using to help ensure that foods imported into the United States are produced in accordance with the same safety standards required of food produced domestically. Governments, agencies, or organizations that are interested in becoming recognized accreditation bodies may apply using FDA’s web-based application and submitting an application fee.
To read the final rule, click here: FSMA Final Rule on Accredited Third-Party Certification. For more information about this announcement, VQIP or the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program please contact info@diaztradelaw.com.