We have been waiting for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to finally become a law since it was passed back in 2011. The goal of the Act is to take new precautionary measures in order to prevent foodborne illness.
After several long delays, the final rules for a couple specific parts of the FSMA are federally mandated to be released on August 30th. The deadline will finally give businesses around the United States clarity on when they will need to have their facilities fully compliant with the Act. This act is a great victory for the health and safety of Americans. So what will the announcement entail?
Preventive Controls for Human Food
The rules on preventive controls for human food are intended to set safety requirements for facilities that process, package, and store food in hopes to prevent foodborne illness and even death.
Some key revisions to the proposed rule:
- Farms that package or hold food from other farms are not subject to the preventive controls rule
- Definition of a very small business proposed at less than $1 million in sales
- Withdrawal of qualified exemptions process further clarified
- Product testing, environmental monitoring, supplier controls proposed
- Economically motivated adulteration language proposed
Final rule deadline: August 30, 2015
Compliance deadline for large firms: One year after publication of the final rule
Compliance deadline for small businesses: Two years after publication rule
Compliance deadline for very small businesses: Three years after publication
Preventive Controls for Animal Food
These rules are intended to better protect animal food and feed from contaminants.
Some key revisions to the proposed rule:
- Current good manufacturing practice regulations made more applicable to animal food
- Definition of very small business proposed at less than $2.5 million in sales annually
- Withdrawal of qualified exemptions process further developed
- Potential regulatory language for product testing, environmental monitoring, supplier controls offered for public comment
- Economically motivated adulteration language proposed
- Feed mills associated with farms
Final rule deadline: August 30, 2015
Compliance deadline for businesses with $2.5 million in annual sales: One year after publication of the final rule
Compliance deadline for small businesses: Two years after publication
Compliance deadline for very small businesses: Three years after publication
***Make sure to check back during the week of August 31st to hear our full interpretation of the final rules announced for the Act**
