FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Implementation

What Is the Food Safety Modernization Act?

FDA established 7 major rules that are meant to implement the FDA. These rules put the acts into real practice that help in reducing food contamination at every stage in the supply chain. That is exactly what we are going to discuss in this section.

Who is affected by the FSMA rules?

Unlike some of the ISO standards that are generic, FSMA rules only apply to a section of food products that are regulated by the FDA. This section constitutes about 75% of all foods that are available in the United States. These are considered as the high-risk foods that require proper care and close monitoring to avoid contamination of any kind. You may be wondering what is done with the remaining 25% of the foods.

What are the exceptions?

Not everyone that grows and processes food products and registered by the FDA is regulated by the FSMA. We have exceptions such as those home gardeners and food preservers. This group of people is controlled or regulated mainly by local laws. You may not know where you are as all these now confuse the most. The best thing to do is to consult an expert if you want to always be on the right side of the law.

When did the FSMA come into effect?

We have already hinted at the date that FSMA was signed into law by President Obama.

What are the effects of non-compliance with your business?

Just like any other law, you are expected to comply, failure of which is treated as a criminal act and won’t be taken kindly. FDA is responsible for checking for nonconformities and will issue a warning letter directing the company in question to comply within 15 days. the same information is published on the FDA website to create public awareness.