FDA has given an update on its resources to provide the industry with continued assistance as it struggles through the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic.

• FDA has issued the guidance, “Reporting a Temporary Closure or Significantly Reduced Production by a Human Food Establishment and Requesting FDA Assistance During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency”, in May 2020. They can also report supply chain issues and ask for help from the FDA by filling out an inquiry form on CFSAN’s website.
• The Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council is a collaboration between FDA, USDA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Food and Agriculture Government Coordinating Council to discuss critical infrastructure security and resilience activities. Companies that want to get involved with the council or discuss the supply chain disruptions that they have been experiencing, they can contact Clay Detlefsen, Chairman of the council and Senior Vice President, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs & Staff Counsel; National Milk Producers Federation.
• The FDA has also issued several temporary policies (guidance documents) to help companies, including:
  • Temporary Policy During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Regarding the Qualified Exemption from the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption
  • Returning Refrigerated Transport Vehicles and Refrigerated Storage Units to Food Uses After Using Them to Preserve Human Remains During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Temporary Policy Regarding Accredited Third-Party Certification Program Onsite Observation and Certificate Duration Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
  • Temporary Policy Regarding Enforcement of 21 CFR Part 118 (the Egg Safety Rule) During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
  • Temporary Policy Regarding Packaging and Labeling of Shell Eggs Sold by Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
  • Temporary Policy Regarding Preventive Controls and FSVP Food Supplier Verification Onsite Audit Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency