Food safety, traceability and sustainability blog

FSMA 204 and International Suppliers: What You Need to Know

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) sets forth food safety regulations for the production, processing, packaging, and transportation of food intended for consumption within the United States. Additionally, Section 204 of FSMA, which was just published as a final rule in November 2022, sets additional guidance for food businesses on how they should establish enhanced traceability recordkeeping for foods considered “high risk” on the food supply chain.

The Records You Need Under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program

Make sure your relationships with foreign suppliers are compliant under the FDA’s Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) by reviewing a full list of required records.

It just got a little easier to see the documentation you need when managing foreign suppliers. The FDA has published an up to date list of the records required for the FSVP, a rule established under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to ensure companies importing foreign food products are compliant with US food safety standards.

New FSMA Compliance Dates Roll Out July 2019 - Are You Prepared?

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is arguably the most important law in the food industry today, and will probably remain so until 2024 when the final set of regulations take full effect. In the coming years, however, different aspects of the rule will continue to roll out for food businesses of all sizes.

In July 2019, two sets of rules will roll out for two groups of businesses: the  Intentional Adulteration (IA) rule for large establishments and the foreign supplier verification program rule (FSVP) for importers whose international suppliers are small and very small businesses. If your business is subject to any of these rules, you need to be on the right side of the law as the compliance dates approach.

Establishing Supplier Management Best Practices

Your suppliers are one of the most important determinants of the success of your food business. If they do not adhere to regulations or safety practices, you may find your business in jeopardy. Recent laws, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), have increased the responsibilities and roles of food businesses in preventing foodborne disease outbreaks and ensuring food safety. The rule has set several stringent requirements on supply chain related activities, including mandatory documentation of important supplier activities for most businesses.