Review of FSMA Regulations
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is a U.S. law aimed at reforming food safety regulations. One of its key changes is the shared responsibility between U.S. importers and foreign suppliers for ensuring food safety.
Key FSMA regulations include
- Preventive controls for human food (21 CFR part 117)
- Preventive controls for animal food (21 CFR part 507)
- Produce safety (21 CFR part 112)
- Intentional adulteration prevention (21 CFR part 121)
- Sanitary transportation (21 CFR part 1 subpart O)
- Foreign supplier verification (21 CFR part 1 subpart L)
- Third-party audits (21 CFR part 1 subpart M)
FSMA FSVP Certification Program
The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requires U.S. food importers to verify that foreign suppliers comply with FDA food safety regulations such as preventive controls for human and animal food, low-acid canned food, juice HACCP, and seafood safety.
FSVP activities include:
- Food safety record reviews
- On-site inspections
- Product testing and sampling
- Third-party audits (e.g., by SGS)
- SGS, accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), conducts FSMA FSVP audits to certify foreign suppliers. The FSMA FSVP certification is valid for one year and can be renewed. It applies to human food, pet food, seafood, juice, and food packaging. The certification process includes two stages: document review and on-site audit. Non-compliances are classified as Minor, Major, or Critical with a pass/fail result.
Who Needs FSMA FSVP Certification?
Food, pet food, and packaging manufacturers exporting to the U.S. can obtain certification voluntarily or upon request from buyers/importers. Certification demonstrates compliance with FDA regulations, enhances credibility, and facilitates U.S. market entry.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,700 laboratories and business facilities across 119 countries, supported by a team of 99,250 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and sustainability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
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