Tag: FDA registration

FDA Prior Notice

Prior Notice refers to a US FDA requirement under which any food imported into the US must be notified to the FDA before it arrives. This helps the FDA protect the food supply from bioterrorism and other threats.

What Products Require Prior Notice?

  • Food and beverages for humans or animals.
  • Dietary supplements
  • Raw agricultural products intended for consumption
  • Food ingredients and additives

What foods do not require Prior Notice:

Homemade goods for personal use, or non-food items, don’t require prior notice.

What Must Be Included in the Prior Notice?

  • Identity of the food
  • Manufacturer FDA Registration
  • Shipper and country of origin
  • Estimated arrival date and time
  • Port of entry and carrier details
  • US recipient or importer

When Must It Be Submitted?

  • By land: At least 2 hours before arrival
  • By air: At least 4 hours before arrival
  • By sea: At least 8 hours before arrival
  • By international mail: Before the package is sent

Who can Submit Prior Notice

Anyone with information about the shipment.

What Happens If You Don’t File It?

  • Shipments may be refused entry, detained, or destroyed
  • The importer may face penalties or enforcement actions

Liberty Management Group Ltd can help facilities with FDA Registration & prior notice submissions.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

DUNS requirement for FDA registration

A DUNS Number (Data Universal Numbering System Number) is a unique 9-digit identifier for businesses, issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It helps verify a company’s identity and establish a business credit file.

A valid DUNS Number is required for FDA registration. The DUNS number serves as a unique facility identifier (UFI), helping the FDA verify business locations and prevent duplicate or fraudulent entries.

Different types of registrations in FDA:

1. Food Facility Registration

  • The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires domestic and foreign food facilities to provide a valid DUNS number when registering or renewing their registration with the FDA. This includes facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the U.S.

2. Drug Establishment Registration

  • For domestic and foreign drug establishments, the FDA requires a DUNS number when registering an establishment or when creating a user fee account to make OMUFA, PDUFA & GDUFA payments.

3. Medical Devices Establishment Registration

  • A DUNS number is typically needed for foreign establishments registering their medical devices with the FDA and for creating user fee account to make MDUFA payments to FDA.

Liberty Management Group Ltd can help look up if a facility has a DUNS number or guide to obtain a new DUNS number along with FDA registration.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

Does FDA cancel Food Facility Registrations?

Food Facility Registration is an FDA requirement for all domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold human or animal food for consumption in the USA. US FDA can cancel or revoke a food facility registration under certain circumstances. If an FDA registered facility fails to meet the FDA’s requirements, the FDA has the authority to suspend or cancel that registration.

Common scenarios in which the FDA might cancel or suspend food facility registration:

  1. Failure to submit Registration correctly – FDA may cancel a registration if they find the information to be inaccurate or duplicate.
  2. Failure to renew Registration – Food facilities are required to renew their registration every two years. If a facility fails to do so, the FDA may cancel the registration. In such case, facilities must re-register prior to exporting.
  3. Failure to Comply with FDA Regulations – If a facility fails to comply with FDA regulations, such as food safety requirements or FSMA, the FDA may revoke or suspend its registration. Non-compliance could include violations like:
  • Failing to meet sanitation standards.
  • Inadequate hazard analysis and lack of proper food safety procedures.
  • Failure to comply with the FSVP for foreign facilities.
  • Failure to Respond to an FDA Inspection – If a facility undergoes an FDA inspection and the inspection reveals significant violations or non-compliance, the FDA can revoke or suspend the registration.
  • Product Recalls or Serious Safety Issues – FDA may cancel a food facility’s registration if serious safety issues arise, such as the facility being involved in recalls, foodborne illness outbreaks, or repeated non-compliance with GMP regulations.
  • Failure to Cooperate with FDA Investigations – If the FDA is conducting an investigation and the facility does not cooperate (e.g., not providing records or access to information), the FDA may suspend or cancel the facility’s registration.

Consequences of a Canceled or Suspended Food Facility Registration

If the FDA cancels or suspends a food facility’s registration, it has serious implications for the business:

  • Inability to Import Food: A canceled or suspended registration means the facility cannot import food into the US until the registration is reinstated.
  • Business Interruption: The facility will be unable to legally manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for U.S. consumption, which can significantly disrupt business operations.
  • Legal and Financial Consequences: In some cases, a facility may face penalties, fines, or other legal consequences if its registration is canceled due to violations or non-compliance.

How to Avoid Cancellation of Food Facility Registration

  • Timely renewal of your registration (every two years).
  • Compliance with all applicable FDA regulations, including food safety practices, labeling requirements, and FSMA regulations.
  • Proper documentation and recordkeeping

Liberty Management Group Ltd. can help you with FDA registration, re-registration, and renewals.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

FDA Food Facility Biennial Registration Renewal

FDA requires all registered domestic and foreign food and dietary supplement facilities to renew their FDA registration every two years. This applies to all the facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or store food, beverages, or dietary supplements intended for consumption in the USA.

  1. Initial Registration: Any facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for human or animal consumption in the US must register with FDA.
  2. Registration Renewal: FDA registration must be renewed between October 1 and December 31 of every even-numbered year. Next renewal period is October – December 2024.
  3. Purpose of FDA Registration: FDA registration helps the FDA to regulate food facilities effectively and share important information related to food safety.
  4. Penalties: FDA registrations that are not timely renewed get cancelled and shipments of such facilities are refused admission into US

Biennial renewal of food facility registration with the FDA is important for several reasons:

Up-to-date Information:

The biennial renewal process helps the FDA maintain accurate and up-to-date information about facilities. This includes the address, contact details, and the types of activities conducted at the facility. Accurate data is essential for the FDA to respond quickly in case of a food safety issue.

Food Safety:

The renewal process supports the FDA’s ability to monitor and inspect food facilities to ensure compliance with food safety standards. This is crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring that food products entering the US market are safe for consumption.

Compliance with FSMA:

FSMA mandates the registration and regular renewal of food facilities. Failure to renew registration can lead to a facility being considered non-compliant, which may result in legal actions, such as the refusal of food shipments, or being prohibited from distributing food in the US.

Efficient Communication:

Up-to-date registration information helps ensure that the FDA can communicate efficiently with facilities in case of emergencies, such as recalls, outbreaks, or other food safety concerns. Efficient communication is key to mitigating risks and protecting public health.

Preventing Market Disruptions:

Timely renewal helps prevent disruptions in the supply chain. If a facility fails to renew, it may face legal or logistical hurdles that may prevent its products from entering the US market, causing potential losses and supply issues.

Liberty management Group Ltd. can help companies with FDA Registration and biennial registration renewal.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

FDA Food Facility Registration Definitions

FDA requires US and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the USA to register with FDA.

Important definitions:

  1. Facility – any establishment, structure, or structures under one ownership at one general physical location that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for consumption in the USA.
  2. Domestic facility – any facility located in the USA, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for consumption in the USA.
  3. Foreign facility – any facility other than a domestic facility that manufactures/processes, packs, or holds food for consumption in the USA.
  4. Manufacturing/processing – making food from one or more ingredients, or synthesizing, preparing, treating, modifying or manipulating food, including food crops or ingredients.
  5. Holding – storage of food and includes activities performed incidental to storage of a food. Holding facilities could include warehouses, cold storage facilities, storage silos, grain elevators, and liquid storage tanks.
  6. Packaging – placing food into a container that is directly in contact with the food.
  7. Packing – placing food into a container other than packaging the food and includes re-packing and activities performed incidental to packing or re-packing a food.
  8. Trade name – other names under which the facility conducts business or is known by.
  9. US Agent – person residing or maintaining a place of business in the USA and who is designated as agent by a foreign facility.
  10. The US Agent acts as a communications link between FDA and the foreign facility for both emergency and routine communications. The US Agent will be the person FDA contacts when an emergency occurs, unless the registration specifies another emergency contact.
  11. FDA will consider the US Agent the equivalent of the registrant for purposes of sharing information and communications.
  12. Registrant – the owner, operator, or agent in charge of a facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for consumption in the USA.

Liberty Management Group Ltd. can help you with FDA registration & US Agent service.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

What information is required in the FDA registration of a food facility?

As per 21 CFR 1.232, the following information is required for US and non-US food facility registrations:

  • Facility name, address, phone number and email address
  • DUNS number
  • Preferred mailing address, phone number & email address, if different from facility
  • Parent company name, address, phone number & email address (if the facility is a subsidiary of the parent company)
  • Facility Emergency contact name, phone number & email address
  • All alternate names the facility uses
  • US Agent name, address, phone number & email address
  • Name, address, phone number & email address of the owner, operator, or agent in charge
  • Applicable food product categories of any food manufactured, processed, packed, or stored at the facility
  • The types of activity at the facility for each food product category
  • A statement in which the owner, operator, or agent in charge provides an assurance that FDA will be permitted to inspect the facility at the times and in the manner permitted by the FD&C Act
  • A statement in which the owner, operator, or agent in charge certifies that the information submitted is true and accurate. If the individual submitting the form is not the owner, operator, or agent in charge of the facility, the registration must also include a statement in which the individual certifies that the information submitted is true and accurate, certifies that he/she is authorized to submit the registration, and identifies by name, address, phone number & email address, the individual who authorized submission of the registration.

Liberty Management Group Ltd. can help you with FDA registration & US Agent service.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

FDA Clearance vs FDA Registration

FDA Clearance & FDA Registration are two separate processes associated with the US FDA.

FDA clearance is a process specific to medical devices. It is applicable to low or moderate risk devices that are categorized by FDA as Class I or Class II. This process is also called 510(k) clearance.

When a manufacturer intends to market a new medical device, they may submit a 510(k) premarket notification to the FDA. This submission demonstrates that the new device is substantially equivalent to an FDA cleared device. In FDA clearance, FDA evaluates whether the new device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device in terms of intended use, technological characteristics, and performance. If the FDA determines that the device is substantially equivalent, it is cleared for marketing.

FDA registration is required for for various FDA Regulated products, including medical devices, food, drug and cosmetics. FDA registration is for facilities or establishments that are involved in the manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding of FDA regulated products.

Companies engaged in above activities must register their facilities with the FDA. This includes providing information about the types of products manufactured, processes used, and other relevant details. Registration is a requirement for companies involved in the production and distribution of FDA Regulated products. It helps the FDA keep track of facilities and facilitates inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Upon successful registration, the facility is assigned an FDA registration number.

Liberty Management Group Ltd. can help you with FDA clearance for medical devices and FDA registration for Drugs, Cosmetic, Medical Devices & Food.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

INFANT FORMULA


US FDA regulates infant formula ensuring that it is safe and provides all the required nutrients for the healthy growth and development of infants.

The FDA regulatory requirements for infant formula are:

  1. FDA Registration: Manufacturers of infant formula are required to register with the FDA
  2. Infant formula notification: Before marketing a new or reformulated formula, manufacturers must submit a notification for FDA review of formulation & labeling of the products.
  3. Ingredients: Manufacturers must ensure that the formula provides the essentials nutrients to infants. FDA has established certain ingredient requirements. These requirements include the types and amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that must be present.
  4. GMP – Infant formula manufacturers must adhere to GMP regulations to ensure the quality and safety of their products. This includes proper handling of raw materials, quality control testing, and sanitation procedures.
  5. Testing: Manufacturers are required to conduct appropriate tests to contain certain contaminants, such as microbiological contaminants, heavy metals, and pesticides, in infant formula and to ensure that their product meets FDA established safety standards.
  6. Labeling Requirements: Infant formula labels must be FDA compliant. The label must contain accurate & clear information about the products. Labels must include specific nutritional information, usage instructions, and warnings. Health claims and nutrient content claims are also subject to strict guidelines.
  7. Inspections and Audits: FDA conducts inspections of infant formula manufacturing facilities to verify compliance with regulations. Such inspections may occur regularly to ensure ongoing adherence to safety and quality standards.
  8. Recalls and Market Withdrawals: In the event of a safety concern or non-compliance with regulations, the FDA has the authority to request a recall or market withdrawal of infant formula to protect public health.

Liberty Management Group Ltd. can help you with FDA regulations.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

What is DUNS number? Why is it important to obtain DUNS?

The Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by Dun & Bradstreet (D & B). The DUNS Number is location specific. So, each distinct physical location of an entity (such as branches, divisions, and headquarters) may be assigned a separate DUNS number.

All domestic and foreign food facilities are required to provide a Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) when registering with FDA. Currently DUNS number is the only acceptable UFI recognized by FDA.

FDA intends to conduct the verification process for UFI as below:

  1. For new registrations – Once the registration is submitted, FDA will verify the accuracy of UFI. FDA will not confirm the registration or provide a registration number until verification is complete.
  2. For biennial renewals – Once the renewal is submitted, FDA will verify the accuracy of UFI. FDA will not confirm the renewal until verification is complete.

DUNS number for FDA purposes is free of cost. Facilities registering with FDA must obtain a DUNS number first. DUNS requests may take up to 30 days.

Liberty Management Group Ltd can help you with FDA registrations, renewals and DUNS lookup. For assistance, please visit our website www.fdahelp.us

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us

How does FDA regulate Dietary Supplements?

Manufacturers and sellers of dietary supplements in the US must comply with various FDA requirements to ensure the safety, quality and labeling of products being offered for sale in the US.

Key FDA requirements are:

Facilities manufacturing, packing, or storing dietary supplements must register with the FDA. Registration helps the FDA identify and monitor industry participants. Registration must be renewed biennially, and any changes to facility information must be updated.

Dietary supplement labels must be truthful and not misleading. Labels must accurately represent the product’s ingredients, content, and intended use. A Supplement Facts panel must be included on the label, providing information on serving size, ingredients, and nutrient content per serving. Allergen labeling is required to inform consumers of the presence of major food allergens, if applicable. Dietary supplement manufacturers are prohibited to make drug claims such as treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent diseases.

  • Current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP):

Dietary supplement manufacturers are required to follow GMP regulations. GMP regulations establish standards for the production, packaging, labeling, and storage of dietary supplements. Compliance with GMP helps ensure that dietary supplements are manufactured consistently and meet quality standards. Facilities must maintain detailed records and establish quality control procedures.

  • New Dietary Ingredients (NDIs):

Manufacturers intending to use a new dietary ingredient (an ingredient not marketed in the U.S. before October 15, 1994) must submit a notification to the FDA at least 75 days before marketing the product. The notification must include evidence demonstrating that the NDI is reasonably expected to be safe for use in dietary supplements.

  • Adverse Event Reporting:

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements are required to submit reports to the FDA regarding any serious adverse events associated with their products.

  • Imports:

The FDA regulates imported dietary supplements to ensure they meet the same safety and labeling standards as domestically produced supplements. Imported supplements may be subject to inspection and testing at US ports of entry.

  • Enforcement:

The FDA can take enforcement actions against manufacturers and distributors that violate regulations, including issuing warning letters, initiating recalls, and seizing products.

Liberty Management Group Ltd. provides assistance with FDA registration and label compliance.

Namrata

Regulatory Consultant

support@libertymanagement.us

http://www.fdahelp.us