On June 21, 2017, FDA launched a website where organizations can apply to be recognized as a Third-Party Accreditation body. FDA's voluntary Accredited Third-Party Certification program was established under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and recognizes accreditation bodies that will have the authority to accredit third-party "certification bodies," otherwise known as third-party auditors. In turn, the certification bodies (i) conduct consultative and/or regulatory food safety audits and (ii) issue certifications to eligible entities that produce food for humans and animals, such as to help establish eligibility for participation in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program, which offers expedited review and entry of food for eligible participants.
Foreign governments and agencies or private third-parties may apply to be recognized as an accreditation body. As explained by FDA, the process includes a web-based application and a user fee.
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