The FDA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requires US importers of food to verify that their foreign suppliers are producing food in a manner that meets US food safety standards. FSVP applies to most imported food, with some exemptions for juice, seafood, and dietary supplements (which have separate regulations).
Importer Obligations
- ☐ Identify the FSVP importer for each food (the US owner or consignee at time of entry)
- ☐ Conduct a hazard analysis for each food imported
- ☐ Evaluate the foreign supplier's food safety performance
- ☐ Conduct supplier verification activities (audits, testing, records review)
- ☐ Maintain FSVP records for 2 years
- ☐ Register with FDA as an FSVP importer
Supplier Verification Activities
FSVP verification activities must be appropriate to the hazards identified in the hazard analysis. Options include: onsite audits; sampling and testing of food; review of the supplier's relevant food safety records; and other appropriate activities. The frequency of verification activities depends on the risk level of the food and the supplier's performance history.