Food & Beverage Distributors Must Renew with FDA by End of 2022
By December 31, 2022, all non-exempt U.S. food facilities must initially register or renew their registration with the U.S Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cadre has developed the following answers to many questions posed by 3PL and distribution warehouses concerning the FDA’s renewal and registration process.
Do all food distributors have to register or renew with the FDA?
All company owners, operators, or agents in charge of a domestic or foreign facility engaged in the manufacture/processing, packing, distribution, or holding of food for human or animal consumption in the United States consumer market are required to register with the FDA.
Why is FDA registration required for the food industry?
In 2002 the U.S. adopted the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2002, later amending it with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) of 2011. The act requires food distributors to register every other year to ensure that the FDA can properly monitor the safety of food and beverage distribution and consumption by both humans and animals. Registration information allows the FDA to identify potential product safety hazards whether food products are produced, warehoused, or sold in America or imported by other countries.
Potential hazards include:
- Chemical
- Infestation
- Physical
- Microbiological
- Allergens
Domestic company exports and/or foreign imports will be denied by the U.S. Customs Department if any non-exempt food distributors or 3PLs fail to register with the FDA by December 31, 2022.
Is there a fee for FDA registration or renewal?
It is free for U.S. food distributors or other applicable facilities. All foreign food distribution companies must have a representing United States FDA third-party agent. Fees for agent services will differ in size, however, they usually include a free certificate of approved FDA registration for the company.
What food distributor data does the FDA require?
In late August 2022, the FDA announced that all entities that are distributing food products for animal and human food consumption in the U.S. must renew or register, including distribution centers, producers, 3PLs, and processors are required to furnish a Unique Facility Identifier (UFI). It’s important to note that the identifier the FDA will only accept is the Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS number which is set and managed by Dun & Bradstreet. All food distribution centers must be sure that their contact information matches EXACTLY what is on file with D&B. If discrepancies occur in either name or number then the renewal or registration as a food company will be abandoned and withdrawn from circulation. To file or find your food distributor number, go to D&B’s Import Safety Lookup Portal.
How does a food distributor register or renew with the FDA?
FDA food facility registrations must be completed online through the agency’s portal, since the FDA updated its requirements. You must do this using your existing account with FIS (FDA Industry System).
Where can I learn more about how FDA renewal pertains to a food distributor?
The FDA website is your best source for information on renewal and registration for food facilities. They even have an online portal.
How does Cadre Technologies work with supply chain food distributors and 3PLs?
Cadre’s Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) software is designed for any company distributing food products and 3PL companies, among other industries.
Our customers range from very small 3PLs and distributors with only a handful of workers; to large, multi-facility enterprises, spread across several warehouses and geographic regions.
Each company has a different set of requirements, objectives, and operational models. Virtually every product vertical market is represented in Cadre’s customer base. We accommodate a broad spectrum of products.
Since supply chain food distributors must fast-track products through their warehouse or 3PL, Cadre’s Food and Beverage WMS provides detailed information and tracking through our state-of-the-art-system, including:
- Expiration dates
- Lot numbers
- Environmental conditions
- Rotation of stock
- Inbound and outbound shipments
- Product recall capabilities
Cadre also offers excellent reporting tools to meet FDA, state, or local governing bodies. Multiple picking methods are also available so that all products are selected and shipped using the most efficient path, increasing productivity and profitability.
Food distribution facilities like 3PLs, general warehouses, and manufacturers alike can take advantage of our support excellence and years of experience to provide the best service to your supply chain clients. To learn more, contact us today!
