News

A rule on imported food finalized by FDA

A proposed food safety rule has been made final by the FDA on imported foods. The Food and Drug Administration says the rule gives it “important new tools to better insure that imported foods are produced under the same safety standards as those in the United States.” It was required by the 2011 Food Safety and Modernization Act, or, the ‘food safety law.’

In short, the rule adds another element to the Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2022 by requiring anyone submitting prior notice of imported food to report the name of ANY country that has refused that product’s entry. And, that includes food for animals.

It is already established in that law that the U.S. can refuse food imports if “adequate prior notice” has not been provided to the FDA.

The rule goes into effect this Friday, May 31st, 2013.