SGS Announces ANSI Accreditation for FSMA Certification

Rutherford, N.J.-based SGS has achieved accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to certify foreign food suppliers under the FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification Program of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

The accreditation gives SGS the authority to provide foreign suppliers with FSMA certification for both Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). Foreign food suppliers can opt for both schemes or choose the one that is most relevant to them.

"We are delighted to broaden our offer with this accreditation which, for the first time, gives suppliers from across the globe the opportunity to demonstrate their compliance with the US food safety regulations," said SGS FSMA Program Director Hank Karayan. "It marks a huge milestone for both foreign suppliers and their U.S. clients. It allows importers to apply for expedited entry of food under the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program, while opening up new opportunities for foreign suppliers looking to expand their export activities to the US."

FSMA equips the FDA to recognize accreditation bodies like ANSI to assess the competence of food safety certification bodies. SGS was assessed by ANSI in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services; and the pertinent regulatory and certification scheme requirements.

SGS offers audit, testing, supplier verification, training, and technical services to help organizations comply with FSMA. For the complete range of SGS FSMA solutions visit SGS FSMA Solutions.