The US FDA regulates both Low Acid Canned Foods (LACF) and Acidified Foods (AF).
LACF are low in acid content which provides a conducive environment for the harmful bacteria to grow. FDA regulated LACF products under regulation 21 cfr Part 113.
Manufacturers & processors of LACF are required to register their facility with FDA as a Food Canning Establishment & submit the scheduled process filing for each LACF product. Scheduled process filing provides details of steps in production, time taken, temperatures and other parameters that are necessary to ensure the product’s safety.
Low Acid foods to which acids or acid foods are added to bring the pH level to 4.6 or less are called Acidified foods. Acidified foods are regulated by FDA under 21 cfr Part 114.
Like LACF, AF processors must also register their facility with FDA as Food Canning Establishment & file scheduled process filing for each AF product.
Scheduled process filing for acidified foods include details on the type and amount of acid added, processing times and temperatures.
FDA conducts regular inspections of LACF and AF facilities to ensure regulations are complied with.
Liberty Management Group Ltd. can help you with compliance with FDA requirements for LACF & AF products.
Namrata
Regulatory Consultant
support@libertymanagement.us