The U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) final rule on Foreign Supplier Verification (FSVP) Programs for Importers of Food for Humans and Animals is a welcomed ally in the continued effort to increase supply chain transparency for food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Although it’s been in place for nearly a decade at this point, there are many FSVP frequently asked questions that we’re here to help answer.
FDA oversight for international sourcing
The FSVP rule provides the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with greater oversight of food and beverage products entering the United States. The program is meant to ensure “food imported into the U.S. was produced in a manner that provides the same level of public health protection as that required of domestic food producers.” Therefore, manufacturers must have unwavering confidence in their suppliers, verify that they’re qualified, and adhere to applicable safety requirements. Because manufacturers shoulder the brunt of that burden, it’s essential that they adopt a proactive approach.
Take control of your FSVP
A brief overview of importer responsibilities
The FDA has declared that importers are responsible for actions that include:
- Determining known or reasonably foreseeable hazards with each food product.
- Evaluating the risk posed by a food, based on the hazard analysis and the foreign supplier’s performance.
- Using that evaluation of the risk posed by an imported food and the supplier’s performance to approve suppliers and determine appropriate supplier verification activities.
- Conducting supplier verification activities.
- Conducting corrective actions.
Additionally, importers must establish and follow written procedures to ensure they import foods only from approved foreign suppliers, or when necessary, temporarily from unapproved suppliers whose foods submit to adequate verification activities before importation.
Importers must also develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for each food brought into the United States and the foreign supplier.