Guide to FSMA Compliance
THE COMPLIANCE DATE IS JANUARY 20, 2026, FOR ALL COMPANIES COVERED BY THE RULE.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) represents the most significant overhaul of food safety laws in over 70 years. Signed into law by President Obama in 2011, FSMA shifts the focus from responding to foodborne illnesses to preventing them. This guide provides an overview of FSMA, its requirements, and the steps businesses need to take to ensure compliance.
Key Components of FSMA
Impact on Businesses
Food Manufacturers and Processors: Must adhere to preventive controls and good manufacturing practices.
Importers: Required to ensure that their foreign suppliers meet U.S. safety standards.
Importers: Required to ensure that their foreign suppliers meet U.S. safety standards.
Importers: Required to ensure that their foreign suppliers meet U.S. safety standards.
Key impacts include
Compliance Costs: Implementing preventive controls and maintaining records can incur significant costs.
Operational Changes: Businesses may need to alter their processes to meet FSMA standards.
Supply Chain Management: Ensuring that suppliers and partners also comply with FSMA regulations.
Benefits of FSMA Compliance
IMPROVED FOOD SAFETY:
Enhanced measures to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.
CONSUMER TRUST:
Demonstrating a commitment to food safety can enhance brand reputation.
MARKET ACCESS:
Compliance ensures continued access to the U.S. market and can open up new opportunities.
Steps to Achieve FSMA Compliance
CONDUCT A GAP
ANALYSIS:
- Identify current practices and compare them against FSMA requirements.
- Highlight areas needing improvement.
DEVELOP A FOOD SAFETY PLAN:
- Create a written plan that includes hazard analysis, preventive controls, monitoring procedures, and corrective actions.
IMPLEMENT PREVENTIVE CONTROLS:
- Put in place measures to prevent food safety hazards identified in your analysis
TRAIN EMPLOYEES:
- Ensure all staff are trained on FSMA requirements and the specifi c controls relevant to their roles.
MAINTAIN RECORDS:
- Keep detailed records of your food safety practices, monitoring activities, and corrective actions.
STAY INFORMED:
- Regularly review updates from the FDA and adjust your practices as necessary.
FOR A MORE DETAILED LOOK AT FSMA REGULATIONS AND STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON ACHIEVING COMPLIANCE — CALL US!
Expert Guidance
Navigating FSMA compliance can be complex. Our consultancy specializes in helping businesses like yours achieve compliance efficiently and effectively from Traceability perspective.
WE OFFER:
- Regulatory Guidance: Expert advice on understanding and meeting FSMA traceability requirements.
- Technology Solutions: Implementation of advanced track and trace systems to ensure compliance and improve supply chain visibility.
- Customized Support: Tailored solutions to fit your specific business needs.
Why Choose Us?
3keys is well known in serialization and Track & Trace consulting, having successfully implemented international projects for multiple industries, such as pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and FMCG (the food industry). 3keys is an expert in implementing Track & Trace, whether for legal compliance or brand protection.
CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE AND SCHEDULE A DEMO.
Свяжитесь с намиKey definitions
Свяжитесь с намиUnder the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204, Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) are specific points in the supply chain where data must be collected to ensure the traceability of food products. These events help in tracking the journey of food from the source to the consumer, which is crucial in managing and mitigating foodborne illness outbreaks.
The Food Traceability List (FTL) under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 pertains to a list of foods identifi ed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as high-risk under the FSMA's Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods requirement. These foods require more rigorous record-keeping to enhance traceability from farm to table, helping to quickly and effi ciently identify the source of a foodborne illness outbreak.
The Food Traceability List (FTL) under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 pertains to a list of foods identifi ed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as high-risk under the FSMA's Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods requirement. These foods require more rigorous record-keeping to enhance traceability from farm to table, helping to quickly and effi ciently identify the source of a foodborne illness outbreak.