Friday 1 March 2019

NSF International can certify foreign suppliers under US food safety regulations

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- NSF Certification, LLC can now certify foreign supplier compliance with United States (US) food safety regulations in line with the FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification programme.

This follows accreditation given by the American National Standards Institute to the wholly-owned subsidiary of global public health organisation, NSF International.

“Since this FDA-recognised certification serves multiple purposes, it can potentially reduce individual customer audits and ultimately, improve confidence in the safety of food imports consumed in the United States,” said NSF International, Associate Managing Director of Supply Chain Food Safety Operations, Carey Allen.

“Third-party certification bodies serve an essential role in assuring the safety of the global food supply chain.”

The certification under NSF’s programme will enhance market access for imports by confirming suppliers have implemented effective food safety control procedures.

Certification to an FDA-recognised accredited third-party certification programme is required for products imported under the FDA Voluntary Qualified Importer Program, which is used to expedite entry into the US.

This certification is also accepted by the FDA as an option for supplier verification to satisfy the FSMA Supply-Chain Program and Foreign Supplier Verification Program requirements.

According to a statement, food and animal feed producers, processors and produce growers are eligible for certification.

The audit evaluates compliance with FSMA preventive controls and produce safety rules, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles and other applicable FDA regulations, depending on the certification of the product and process.

Customer requirements can also be included in the audit.

-- BERNAMA

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