The US Food and Drug Administration has introduced two new regulations to tighten food safety, its first move since the Food Safety Modernisation Act extended the agency’s powers.

Under the new rules, the FDA will have the power to detain food for 30 days that it suspects is contaminated or mislabeled. During this time, the agency will assess whether further action is appropriate.

Previously, the FDA was only able to act if there was evidence of serious harm or the possibility of fatalities. The agency had to work under the legal authority of US states to negotiate recalls with food companies.

“This authority strengthens significantly the FDA’s ability to keep potentially harmful food from reaching US.consumers,” said FDA deputy commissioner for foods Mike Taylor yesterday (4 May). “It is a prime example of how the new food safety law allows FDA to build prevention into our food safety system.”

The second rule requires anyone who imports food or animal feed into the US to disclose whether another country has already rejected or refused entry to the same product.

Both regulations will come into effect on 3 July, the FDA said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.