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Sep
18
2017
Notice For FDA Regulated Food Importers

Dear Friends and Customers,

Importers of food products have begun receiving notices from FDA with the email subject line: “FSVP Inspection Requirements, Handouts & Law.” This email is a notification that FDA intends to inspect the Importer of record for compliance with the new requirements under FDA's Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) rule.

As you may recall, the FSVP rule requires importers to:

  • Designate a "Qualified Individual" to develop a FSVP for each food imported from each supplier.
  • Monitor the FSVP Program

FSVP inspections are not to be confused with traditional food facility inspections and are largely based on the review of records. The inspector may also look for evidence that FSVP procedures are followed between importer and supplier for the food items in question and that the importer is documenting appropriate analysis and verification of activities.

It is important that food importers make sure the following actions are taken:

  • Have a  qualified foreign supplier verificator
  • Have a Quality Assurance Plan
  • Have a Step by Step process
  • Identify Hazards
  • Corrective actions are taken
  • Have proper documentation of the process

Some consequences if FSVP is not in compliance may include:

  • Import suspension
  • Shipment delays
  • Refusal of import shipments
  • FDA import alerts       

Hope you find this information helpful.

Sincerely,
RL Jones Customhouse Broker
 
Compliance Department
compliance.clx@rljones.com

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