SGS Societe Generale de Surveillance : US FDA Announces 2016 Fiscal Year Microbial Surveillance Sampling and Prior Plans
December 01, 2015 at 02:27 am EST
Share
On November 23, 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) announced its new proactive and preventive approach to sampling.[1] This approach, targeting an item for 12 to 18 months in order to develop data to prevent future illness, is part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) program. The US FDA will use the information acquired to determine trends and specific regions/locations that may cause issues, to develop new or enhance industry guidance, to work with its international regulatory partners to take corrective actions, and to follow-up on facilities or operation types that require more intensive inspections.
The US FDA uses three types of sampling:
Product sampling
Environmental sampling
Emergency response/emerging issues sampling
In its informational bulletin, the US FDA has provided details of the process used when a US FDA investigator collects samples and what operations need to do during the process.
For the Fiscal year of 2016, the US FDA has notified the industry that it will be sampling cucumbers and hot peppers for pathogen testing,[2] for Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7. Starting this month, the US FDA will collect about 1,600 samples of each item, including some 320 to 380 domestic samples and some 1,200 to 1,280 import samples.
Prior sampling programs have been for sprouts, whole fresh avocados and raw milk cheese that were aged less than 60 days.
SGS is committed to keeping you informed of regulatory news and developments. Leveraging our global network of laboratories and food experts, SGS provides a comprehensive range of food safety and quality solutions, including analytical testing, audits, certifications, inspections and technical support. We continually invest in our world class testing capabilities and state-of-the-art technology to help you reduce risks, and improve food safety and quality. For further information please visit our website. www.foodsafety.sgs.com.
For enquiries, please contact:
James Cook
Food Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager
t: +01 973 461 1493
Stay on top of regulatory changes within your industry: subscribe to SafeGuardS!
SGS SA is a Switzerland-based company that provides inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Inspection comprises checking the condition and weight of traded goods at transshipment, quality and quantity control, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Testing services are provided through a global network of testing facilities and test the quality, safety and performance of products against health, safety and regulatory standards. Certification services confirm if products, processes, systems or services are compliant with either national or international standards and regulations or customer defined standards. Verification focuses on ensuring that products and services comply with global standards and local regulations. Additionally, the Company offers training services through SGS Academy.
SGS SA 
