Jan 27, 2022FDA issues guidance for food producers disrupted by supply chain issues
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued the following statement to the agriculture and food industry on Jan. 27:
The FDA has been working closely with the food industry and other government partners throughout the pandemic to continuously monitor the impact of COVID-19. We understand the severe impact the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic is having on the food and agriculture industry, including the health and safety of workers and their families. Labor shortages, transportation challenges, packaging shortages, international import delays and severe weather continue to contribute to disruptions in U.S. food supply chains that ultimately impact consumers.
The FDA would like to share information about access to assistance if you are experiencing supply chain disruptions:
Report Supply Chain Problems/Request Assistance from the FDA
Food facilities and farms can continue to report a closure or a reduction in operations and/or request assistance for a human food establishment regulated by the FDA, excluding restaurant, retail food establishments, and animal food operations. Read the full guidance for additional information.
Report Closure/Reduction and/or Request Assistance
Food and Agriculture Sector
The Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) serves as the primary private industry-led policy coordination and planning entity to collaborate with the FDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Food and Agriculture Government Coordinating Council (GCC), among others, to address the entire range of critical infrastructure security and resilience activities and sector-specific issues.
If you wish to become involved with, or are a member of the Food and Agriculture SCC, or if your food firm/business is experiencing supply chain disruptions, you may contact the chairman of the SCC, Clay Detlefsen, Esq., Senior Vice President, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs & Staff Counsel; National Milk Producers Federation at [email protected].
Temporary Policies
The FDA has issued temporary guidance to provide regulatory flexibility, where appropriate, to help minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions on product availability associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic. These temporary policies remain in effect. Details about each appear at the following links:
- 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
Links to Key Resources
- Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (FDA)
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (FDA)
- COVID-19 Vaccination & the Food and Agriculture Sector (FDA)
- OSHA’s Protecting Workers Guidance (OSHA)
- Vaccines for COVID-19 (CDC)
- Vaccinating Migrant/Migratory and Seasonal Food and Agriculture Workers (CDC)
