For food, beverage, and dietary supplement companies, product safety depends primarily on the quality of the items and ingredients manufacturers receive from suppliers. Therefore, manufacturers looking to reduce their risk exposure must have unwavering confidence in their suppliers, verify that they’re qualified, and adhere to applicable safety requirements.
Foreign Supplier Verification Program
The Food Safety Modernization Act’s Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) empowers the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to hold importers accountable for safeguarding the products they bring into the United States and that they comply with the same safety standards as foods produced domestically. However, now that manufacturers shoulder the brunt of that burden, it’s essential that they adopt a more proactive approach.
Understanding the definition of “importer” is the first hurdle companies face in complying with the FSVP rule.
FSVP compliance is paramount
If an auditor arrived at your facility unannounced – would your team be ready? FSMA’s FSVP standards are rigorous, and supplier verification is only one part of the program. Companies must demonstrate a complete audit trail at a moment’s notice, and given the complexity of the program, pitfalls linger at nearly every stage.
Avoid FSVP Pitfalls
We’ve clarified the importer definition, along with nine common FSVP-related mistakes that food manufacturers make. Companies can prevent FDA warning letters, or expensive and brand-damaging recalls by securing a better grasp of these pitfalls.
Download this data sheet now to elevate your FSVP.
