The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is getting a refresh in 2025, with new rules to make our food supply even safer. These updates are designed to boost food safety standards and make sure everyone in the food supply chain stays compliant. Here’s a closer look at what’s changing and what it means for businesses:
Key Discussion Points
- Compliance Date Extensions
- Increased Traceability
- Stronger Transportation Rules
- FSVP Updates
- Intentional Adulteration
- Third-Party Certification
- Staying Compliant
- Consultant Support
- Growth Resources
More Time to Breathe
The FDA understands that change takes time. That’s why they’re giving businesses some extra time to comply with certain FSMA rules, including those for food safety plans (like HACCP training available!) and produce safety. This gives you more flexibility to adjust your operations without feeling rushed.
Want to learn about food safety regulations from GENEDGE? Watch the recap of our recent Food & Beverage Roundtable Talk. We discussed key topics like FDA registration, FSIS inspections, HACCP plans, and food defense with a food safety expert. Listen to the discussion and hear the participants’ questions.
Tracking Your Food
In the future, keeping track of where your food comes from and where it’s going will be even more crucial. You’ll need to record specific details about your food using Key Data Elements (KDEs) linked to Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). This helps pinpoint the source of any problems faster, preventing contaminated food from reaching consumers. The deadline for this is January 20, 2026, so you have time to get prepared.
Stronger Sanitary Transportation Requirements
The FSMA updates also include stricter rules for the sanitary transportation of food. These new requirements ensure that food is transported in conditions that prevent contamination, spoilage, and adulteration. Businesses involved in transporting food need to follow these higher standards and keep detailed records of their practices.
Foreign Food Suppliers Under the Microscope
If you import food, you’ll need to be extra careful about who you source from. The FSMA is strengthening the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) to ensure your suppliers meet the same high food safety standards as those in the United States. This means conducting risk assessments and implementing verification activities to confirm the safety of imported food. The updated rule provides clearer guidelines on what constitutes adequate verification and how to document your compliance efforts.
Intentional Adulteration (IA) Rule Updates
The FSMA is serious about protecting our food supply from intentional contamination. The updated Intentional Adulteration (IA) rule requires businesses to develop and implement detailed food defense plans. These plans identify vulnerabilities in your food facilities and establish measures to combat potential acts of terrorism.
Accreditation of Third-Party Certification Bodies
While accrediting third-party certification bodies is voluntary, it helps meet food safety standards. The updated rule offers clearer guidelines on the accreditation process and the qualifications needed for certification bodies. This helps businesses find reliable third-party certifiers to verify their compliance with FSMA standards.
Getting Certified: A Smart Move
Food manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve and show their commitment to safety and quality control by participating in certification programs like HACCP and those recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). GFSI services and programs provide a structured framework to ensure consistent food safety practices.
How Consultants Can Help
Food safety consulting can give valuable guidance through tailored services like:
- Compliance audits: Identify gaps in your current practices to ensure you meet the new FSMA standards.
- Food Safety certification assistance: Streamline the process of obtaining FSMA-recognized certifications like HACCP.
- Foreign Supplier Verification program management: Develop and implement effective programs to meet FSVP requirements.
Staying up-to-date on the FSMA 2025 updates and partnering with a qualified consultant helps you keep your food business compliant and deliver the safest, highest-quality food possible.
Read more about how food manufacturing consultants help scale food producers.
For Manufacturers Looking to Grow:
While food safety is extremely important, don’t forget about growth! Check out these resources for more support:
Register for Developing and Implementing HACCP Plans and Contact GENEDGE for more tips on the new FSMA updates and manufacturing business consulting services!
