Food safety modernization act (FSMA)

If you want to export food to the U.S., as a company you need to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
To ensure food safety throughout the supply chain, this act is mandatory for anyone marketing food in the US, including its suppliers.

The FDA has high supply chain requirements to ensure food safety. Every food producer, including those outside the U.S., must register with the FDA. The FDA conducts audits of supplying companies, including in the Netherlands.

Basic conditions and HACCP go beyond our legal requirements, especially with regard to the food safety management system. A number of product groups have specific requirements for the basic conditions program, called current good manufacturing programs. . Control measures are divided into four different categories: Process, allergens, sanitation and supply chain preventive controls). In each category, specific hazards must be analyzed with an HACCP approach.

Another major difference from EU legislation is that a company must appoint a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI). The PCQI will ensure the assurance of preventive controls within the food safety program. This can be done by having an employee trained or hiring an external one.

A gap analysis in your company can reveal what is needed to meet these requirements. If you are already certified to a GFSI standard, then an addition to some practices and procedures will be needed.

Need support?

Are you already exporting to the US or thinking about exporting food to the US? Or have you already implemented GFSI certification and want to make the system ready which meets FSMA? Train employees to PCQI? Or questions about preparing for an FDA audit? We would be happy to help. Contact us at +31 30 65 66 010 or info@precon.group.