FDA Has Halted Food Facility Inspections during COVID-19

Due to growing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to postpone most onsite inspections of food facilities worldwide. Inspections are on hold at least through April but may be postponed longer if safety concerns persist.

What does this mean for me?

While food facility inspections are currently on hold, FDA suggests that there will be greater scrutiny on products exported to the United States. According to FDA, “…as an interim measure we employ additional tools to ensure the safety of products imported to the U.S., which have proved effective in the past. These include denying entry of unsafe products into the U.S., physical examinations and/or product sampling at our borders.”

Common causes of products being stopped at the U.S. border include lack of FDA registration, failure to file Prior Notice, and labeling mistakes. Registrar Corp can help you assure that your facility is registered and your products are properly labeled to avoid potential detentions. We can also assist your facility to file Prior Notice.

What about importers?

FDA has also stopped most onsite inspections of US importers. Instead, the Agency will conduct remote inspections for importers. Importers should continue to follow Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) procedures and have all relevant records available so they are prepared in the case of a remote inspection.

Going Forward

While things may be a bit unusual right now, inspection procedures will return to normal once COVID-19 safety concerns come to an end. It is prudent to use this time to prepare for the future. Use Registrar Corp’s virtual inspection service to help get your company in good standing for when onsite inspections resume. For more information about changes related to COVID-19 or Registrar Corp’s services, contact us by phone at +1-757- 224-0177, email info@registrarcorp.com, or click here to chat with a Regulatory Advisor 24/7.

Don’t wait! Renew your
FDA registration today.

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For more assistance with FDA regulatory requirements, call: +1-757-224-0177, email: info@registrarcorp.com, or chat with a Regulatory Advisor 24-hours a day: www.registrarcorp.com/livechat.

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