FDA recognizes third-party certification accreditation body

On January 31, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has recognized the first accreditation body under the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (the "Program").  The program was created by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  In addition, the FDA announced the launch of the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP).  

The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) is the organization being recognized.  The ANAB is jointly owned by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ).  

The accreditation bodies that are recognized by the FDA will be able to accredit third-party auditors in order to conduct food safety audits of foreign food facilities.  The VQIP will offer expedited review and entry of human and animal food into the U.S.  

For more information read the FDA press release here.

Key Link(s):

• FDA
• FDA press release: "FDA Takes Important New Steps to Strengthen Oversight of Food Imports" - January 31, 2018
• FSMA: Final Rule on Accredited Third-Party Certification