2009 Food Safety Enhancement Act
Q: What is the Food Safety Act?
Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth provisions governing food
safety.
Requires each food facility to:
(1) conduct a hazard analysis;
(2) implement preventive controls; and
(3) implement a food safety plan.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:
(1) issue science-based performance standards
to minimize the hazards from food borne contaminants;
(2) establish science-based standards for raw
agricultural commodities;
(3) inspect facilities at a frequency
determined pursuant to a risk-based schedule;
(4) establish a food tracing system;
(5) assess fees relating to food facility
reinspection and food recall; and
(6) establish a program for accreditation of
laboratories that perform analytical testing of food for import
or export.
Authorizes the Secretary to:
(1) order an immediate cessation of distribution,
or a recall, of food;
(2) establish an importer verification program; and
(3) quarantine food in any geographic area within
the United States.
Q: What will be the impact on my organization?
If you have US facilities that hold, process or manufacture food
you will be required to:
(1) register with the FDA and pay a yearly
$500 fee
(2) document and keep current a food safety plan for each facility
(3) accommodate more frequent inspections
(4) maintain pedigrees of food origin and previous distribution history
Q: When will the new law be put in place?
The bill has been passed by the House of Representatives and has moved to be voted on in the Senate. The legislation states that the law will be passed Dec 31st, 2009. The date may be subject to change. Click here for further information and to track the progress of the bill.
Q: Who is exempt?
- USDA Meat Facilities
- Livestock and Poultry Facilities
- USDA Regulated Facilities
- Farms
- Alcohol Related Facilities
- HACCP Regulated Facilities
