United States: FDA Issues Final Rule Regarding Accreditation Of Third-Party Certification Bodies To Conduct Food Safety Audits And To Issue Certifications

As discussed above, in the November 27, 2015, Federal Register, FDA adopted regulations to provide for accreditation of third-party certification bodies to conduct food safety audits of foreign food entities, including registered foreign food facilities, and to issue food and facility certifications, under the FSMA. These certifications will be required for participation in the voluntary qualified importer program established under the FD&C Act. In addition, when the Agency has determined that an imported food is subject to certification under FSMA, the Agency may require a certification under this rule as a condition for admitting the food into the United States. Final rule is effective January 26, 2016. FDA intends to implement this program as soon as possible.

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