FDA Takes Step Toward Implementation of Third-Party Certification Program for Food Imports

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing (here) the release of a final guidance document (here) on accreditation standards under its third-party certification program. The guidance, along with an upcoming final rule setting user fees under the program, is one of the last steps before third-party certifications can begin, FDA has said (see 1511230022). Importers participating in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program will have to import food from foreign facilities certified under the third-party certification program to receive benefits (see 1611100028), and FDA has also said it envisions third-party certifiers will help importers comply with the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (see 1511190058).