FDA Public Meeting to Focus on FSMA Import Safety Provisions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will hold a public meeting on, “FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: A New Paradigm for Importers” on March 29. The purpose of the meeting is to provide interested persons an opportunity to discuss implementation of the import safety provisions of the recently enacted FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  FDA is seeking input to inform the development of regulations and guidance on importer verification, the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program, import certifications for food, and third-party accreditation. 

Listening to stakeholders is the primary purpose of this meeting. In order to meet this goal, FDA will provide multiple opportunities for individuals to actively express their views by making presentations at the meeting, participating in breakout sessions on the provisions discussed at the meeting, and submitting written comments to the designated docket(s) within 30 days after this meeting. There will also be an interactive Webcast, with closed captioning.

The meeting is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the FDA White Oak Campus, The Great Room, Building 31, Room 1503, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993.

The Federal Register notice for this meeting can be accessed at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-5942.pdf. Space is limited, with registration for attendance or presenting required by March 22. Register at http://www.blsmeetings.net/FDAImportSafety .