As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, the FDA proposed two rules this month to ensure that foreign suppliers adhere to the same food safety standards as domestic producers. As part of the proposed Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for Importers of Food for Humans and Animals (FSVP), for the first time, importers would be required to assess foreign food and suppliers. An FSVP would include a compliance status review, a hazard analysis and verification activities. The proposal contains two options for hazard assessment. Option 1 would require an audit of the foreign facility for hazards associated with significant negative health effects and for microbiological hazards. Option 2 would allow the importer to select a verification procedure. The Proposed Rule on Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors outlines rules for accreditation bodies and third-party auditors. Accreditation bodies could be foreign governments, foreign agencies or private firms recognized by the FDA. Reports would be submitted to the FDA. Both proposals are subject to public comment for 120 days.

Source: FDA