SGS can now offer FSMA certification for VQIP and FSVP to foreign food importers into the U.S.

The US FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is applied to facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for humans or animal food and is the most sweeping reform of food safety laws in the United States since 1950s. Produce farms, US importers, shippers, receivers, loaders and carriers who transport food in the United States are also subject to US FDA FSMA.

In general, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) equips the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recognize accreditation bodies like American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to assess the competence of food safety certification bodies. Under this procedure, SGS has been assessed by ANSI in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services; and the pertinent regulatory and certification scheme requirements.

Hank Karayan, SGS FSMA Program Director:

“We are delighted to broaden our offer with this accreditation which, for the first time, gives suppliers from across the globe the opportunity to demonstrate their compliance with the US food safety regulations. It marks a huge milestone for both foreign suppliers and their US clients. It allows importers to apply for expedited entry of food under the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program, while opening up new opportunities for foreign suppliers looking to expand their export activities to the US.”

SGS helps organizations comply with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) by offering comprehensive audit, testing, supplier verification, training, and technical services.

SOURCE: SGS