FSVP Compliance Inspections Began in June, FDA Spokesman Says
The Food and Drug Administration began conducting Foreign Supplier Verification Program compliance inspections for importers in June 2017, an FDA spokesman said. “We conduct these inspections with the 'educate while we regulate' approach, which encourages good communication between FDA and Industry to build a solid culture of compliance,” the spokesman said. “In regards to enforcement, FDA’s initial enforcement priorities will be on gaining compliance through education of the FSVP importers; however we reserve the right to take action for food safety problems that pose an imminent public health risk.” FDA has been scheduling its FSVP inspections by a phone call to the FSVP importer, the spokesman said.
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FDA’s educational approach to these initial inspections is in keeping with its general FSVP outreach efforts, the spokesman said. “Before the FSVP rule, there was a coordinated mailing to likely FSVP importers as determined by a review of importer characteristics in the FDA’s historical import database. This direct mail outreach was made to approximately 4,500 likely FSVP importers,” the spokesman said. In total, FDA has sent “over 10,000 emails, letters and information sheets” to FSVP importers “to inform them of the FSVP, and aspects of their responsibilities under the FSVP Rule,” he said. A consultancy specializing in FDA recently said the agency has been contacting importers to schedule inspections (see 1708310025).