Are you in compliance with the FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program Rule?
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EmailView or read a quick overview of the FSMA FSVP Rule and why some companies are non-compliant.
Don't be caught not knowing your responsibilities. Learn what you need to do to import individual ingredients or entire foods into the United States. Neal Fortin, Director of MSU's Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, has seen more frequent FDA citations and even deadly mistakes resulting in recalls. Watch this 2.5 minute video or read the transcript below for more information. Learn about the upcoming online summer course on the FSVP rule here.
Transcript
By and large, food businesses know about FSMA, the Food Safety Modernization Act. However, a crucial but lesser known part of FSMA is the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, FSVP. This program is one the most significant changes in US food law and puts responsibility squarely on the shoulders of importers to ensure that imported food meets the same safety standards as domestically produced food.
You may not even know that you are considered an importer under the Foreign Supplier Verification law. If at the time of entry into the US, you own the food, have purchased the food, or have agreed in writing to purchase the food, you are the importer under the Foreign Supplier Verification law.
Under this law, the importer must both ensure the safety of imported food and also document verification of the safety. To that end, food importers must have a properly trained Qualified Individual to oversee their FSVP responsibilities. The qualified individual must document their verification that an appropriate food safety plan has been implemented and followed at every step in the supply chain.
All reasonably foreseeable hazards, including microbiological, chemical, and physical hazards, must be addressed, and the controls verified. This requires a written hazard analysis, written evaluation of the food supplier performance, and documentation of other verification activities, including the safety of all food ingredients and additives.
Two major and significant violations of the Foreign Supplier Verification law repeatedly cited by the FDA are the failure to have a FSVP Qualified Individual and failure to develop a foreign supplier verification plan.
The Institute for Food Laws and Regulations at Michigan State University can help you understand your responsibility under the law. Understanding this law can help prevent costly regulatory delays, import denial, and more severe problems.
Join us for an online graduate course on the FSMA FSVP Rule.
IFLR's Scott Haskell has updated IFLR's online course on the FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program Rule. This course provides students with the knowledge and understanding to implement the requirements of the FSVP. The course materials provide an understanding of the key requirements for the development and implementation of an FSVP. Record keeping systems are emphasized that meet the regulatory requirements to import foods into the USA.
Click here for a full list of IFLR courses and when they are offered.
Click here to learn more about our online certificate programs.
MSU's Institute for Food Laws and Regulations offers online graduate courses to food industry professionals. Most IFLR students work full time for food companies or regulators, and take one online course at a time to further their professional development. Students may take as few or as many courses as they desire, and may earn a Certificate in International or United States food law after completing twelve qualifying credits (usually four courses).
