FSVP is the FDA Program for U.S. Food Importers
Assistance in Export Regulations: FSVP and PCQI
The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) ensures that all importers comply with the applicable U.S. food safety standards. This means verifying that their foreign suppliers are producing food in a manner that provides the same level of public health protection as domestic producers, establishing preventive controls or meeting produce safety standards, as applicable, to ensure that foods are not adulterated and comply with current labeling regulations.
Who must comply?
The Importer
The importer is the U.S. owner or consignee of a food product offered for import into the United States.
The person or entity identified as the FSVP importer is the one FDA will hold responsible for meeting all FSVP regulatory requirements.
The Foreign Supplier
The foreign supplier must share their Food Safety and Quality protocols with the importer and demonstrate to the Regulatory Authority that they comply with all FSVP requirements.
Evaluation Criteria for Importers
Importers are responsible for:
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Evaluating their supplier’s hazard analysis (HACCP plan) to ensure it identifies known or reasonably foreseeable hazards for each food requiring a control.
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Assessing the foreign supplier’s performance and the risk posed by the food, based on a hazard analysis. This evaluation is used to approve suppliers and determine appropriate supplier verification activities.
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Conducting foreign supplier verification and related activities.
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Implementing corrective actions, when required.
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Maintaining reports and records of all FSVP activities.
Importers must develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP for each food they bring into the United States and for each foreign supplier of that food.
If an importer obtains the same food from several suppliers, a separate FSVP is required for each supplier.
Likewise, if an importer obtains multiple foods from a single supplier, a separate FSVP is required for each food.
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