FDA Extends Comment Deadlines on Two FSMA Rules

Those interested in commenting on two parts of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – the foreign supplier verification program for importers and the accreditation of third-party auditors rule – will now have an additional two months to make their voices heard.  Comments on the two proposed rules will now be accepted through Jan. 27, 2014. The comment period was originally scheduled to close on Nov. 26, 2013, after both proposed rules were published on July 29, 2013.  The proposed foreign supplier verification program would require importers of food for humans and animals to help ensure that products are in compliance with a number of guidelines. Food imported to the U.S. would be subject to the same risk-based preventive controls required of domestically produced food.  The rule on accreditation of third-party auditors will require that food-testing laboratories and other food-auditing firms receive accreditation from an authorized accreditation body. The law is an attempt to ensure that auditors meet baseline standards of competency when assessing food producers.  Interested parties may submit formal comments on both rules on the Federal Register’s website, linked below:  Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for Importers of Food for Humans and Animals  Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors/Certification Bodies to Conduct Food Safety Audits and to Issue Certifications