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The American Chamber in Madagascar capacity building program named POWER (Providing Opportunities for Women Economic Rise) sponsored workshops titled “Facilitating US market access to women entrepreneurs operating in the food sector in three regions of Madagascar”. Nearly fifty women-owned and/or led businesses in each region were made aware of the FSMA core concepts, shared experience, and networked with peers to promote their capability.
For example, the first workshop in the Analamanga region took place on April 11-13 where U.S. speakers and local experts participated. The second workshop in the Atsinanana region, was held May 23-25. A third was held June 20-22, in the Vakinankaratra region.
Dr. Clarisse Y.M. Maharavo, FSPCA PCHF Lead Instructor, a locally based resource, presented the PCHF, PCAF, FSVP, and Produce Safety Rule requirements, as well as covered the basics of the WTO/SPS Agreement. FDA’s Kelly McCormick, co-chair of the FSPCA International Committee, presented informational materials on the primary principles of FSMA along with background on the New Era for Smarter Food Safety Initiative, the remaining FSMA foundational final rules (3rd Part Certification, Intentional Adulteration, and Sanitary Transportation), and as well as FSPCA training resources to the women participants. These speakers presented at a third workshop on June 20-22, in the Vakinankaratra region.
FDA’s Guidance Document titled “Temporary Policy Regarding Preventive Controls and FSVP Food Supplier Verification Onsite Audit Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency” will continue in effect until November 7, 2023, unless superseded by a revised final guidance before that date. FDA has stated they plan to make further revisions to the guidance.
FDA Releases Draft Compliance Policy Guide on Major Food Allergen Labeling and Cross-Contact
FDA released the draft Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) on May 16, 2023 to provide guidance for FDA staff on the FDA’s enforcement policy regarding major food allergen labeling and cross-contact. The draft CPG more accurately reflects FDA’s thinking on major food allergen enforcement policy based on the current regulatory framework and latest science. When finalized, it will replace the existing CPG 555.250 for FDA staff.
FDA Publishes New FAQs and Additional Tools for the Food Traceability Rule
On June 26th, 2023 the FDA posted new frequently asked questions and additional tools to provide industry with more information about the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Food Traceability Rule.
The new FAQs address questions to help clarify how the rule applies to specific situations and are largely based on questions received during the FDA’s regular interactions with industry and on questions sent via the Technical Assistance Network, a central source of information for questions related to the FSMA rules, programs, and implementation strategies.
Along with the FAQs, additional tools developed to help further educate and inform industry subject to the Food Traceability Rule are accessible from the FDA’s traceability website.
The compliance date for all persons subject to the Food Traceability Rule is January 20, 2026.
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