Need help understanding FSMA? Attend the 2016 Food Safety Consortium, December 7–8 in Schaumburg, IL | LEARN MORE In a 22-page report released last week, FDA outlined its findings from three public meetings held in June about the implementation of the FSMA import safety programs. The report, “Focus on Strategic Implementation of Prevention-Oriented Import Safety Programs”, reviews the questions asked to participants about challenges and understanding in complying with the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP), Accredited Third-Party Certification, and the Voluntary Qualified Importer Programs (VQIP) under FSMA. The agency analyzed data from 350 participants, and made the following conclusions:

Industry wants help in understanding what is required under the FSMA provisions, including clearer, concise information from the FDA

• Industry may achieve faster compliance with FSVP if members are shown how it differs from existing food safety practices and compliance schemes
• Organizing FSVP compliance information by commodity and sector may help in faster comprehension of rule
• Small importers and food producers are at higher risk of failing to comply with FSVP
• Generating case studies and other foreign supplier education mediums may aid in faster compliance with FSVP requirements
• Importers will likely consider cost, return on investment and effort necessary to participant when deciding whether to sign up for VQIP, which will provide expedited clearance to qualified participants
• Industry would benefit from FDA sharing information in a faster, clearer and more concise manner
• FDA can use its existing facility registration database and existing relationships with industry to continue outreach efforts and elevate FSMA and FSVP compliance awareness