This month, the FDA finalized three new rules that are part of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The Produce Safety rule includes requirements for agricultural water testing, use of biological soil amendments, and prevention of sprout contamination. The Foreign Supplier Verification Program rule requires importers to verify that their suppliers meet US safety standards. Exempted foods include fish and juice. In 2013, an estimated 19% of the US’s food supply was imported. The Accredited Third-Party Certification rule creates an accreditation program for third-party auditors. Importers of food for human or animals are required to have Foreign Supplier Verification Programs in place within 18 months of this rule’s publication.

Source: FDA