FDA issues final rule on imported food

28-May-2013 - Last updated on 29-May-2013 at 19:03 GMT

A new FDA final rule requires importers to notify if a product has been barred from other countries.

Related tags Food Food and drug administration Fda

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule that makes the interim Information Required in Prior Notice of Imported Food official.

The interim rule, issued 5 May 2011, requires any individual submitting prior notice of imported food (for human or animal consumption) to report the name of any country that previously refused entry of the product. Section 304 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) called for the rule, which Is an amendment to the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.

According to the FDA, the law is intended to give the agency new tools to better ensure foods imported into the country are manufactured under the same safety standards as those produced inside America’s borders. If sufficient prior notice is not given, the rule provides that the FDA can refuse its import into the country.

The full text of the final rule, which becomes effective today (30 May 2013), is available on the Federal Register website. Visit here to view or download the PDF document.