NSAC's Blog


Is My Operation a “Qualified Facility” Under FDA’s Preventive Controls Rules?

September 21, 2018

Are you a small food business owner interested in a partial exemption from some of the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules? Under the Preventive Controls Rules for Human and Animal Food, a “qualified facility” is exempt from the Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls (HARPC) and the Supply Chain Program requirements. Recently, the […]

“Enforcement Discretion” Policy to Enhance Flexibility While FDA Fixes Food Safety Rules

January 8, 2018

As we enter the first year of compliance under Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new Produce Safety Rule, introduced as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), producers continue to experience frustration and confusion regarding FDA’s distinction between a “farm” and a “facility.” Since the Produce Safety Rule was first introduced, this seemingly innocuous […]

Does my farm have to register with FDA? 2017 Update

February 24, 2017

Over two years ago, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) reported on a proposed rule by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that would impact whether local food businesses and value-added producers had to register with FDA as “food facilities.” Since that time, FDA has finalized two rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) […]

FDA Extends Compliance Deadlines for New Food Safety Rules

August 31, 2016

This fall, many food and farm operations subject to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FMA) Preventive Controls Rule were expected to be coming into compliance with the new food safety requirements for food facilities. However, with significant confusion persisting, particularly over whether a farm is or is not a facility […]

RELEASE: NSAC Issues Special Reports on New Food Safety Rules

August 3, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sophia Kruszewski, 202-547-5754, skruszewski@sustainableagriculture.net Ferd Hoefner, 202-547-5754, fhoefner@sustainableagriculture.net   National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Releases Special Reports on New Food Safety Rules Washington, DC, August 2, 2016 – Today the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) released its first two “Special Reports” on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new food safety rules for […]

FSMA Facility Registration Requirements Clarified for Local Food Producers

July 14, 2016

After years of ambiguity and confusion, farmers and small food enterprises primarily selling value-added products directly to consumers finally have some much-needed clarity on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements for food facility registration. On July 14, 2016, FDA finally finalized its Preventive Controls Rule, clarifying that small farms […]

FDA Final Rule Provides Needed Clarity for Local Food Producers

July 13, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sophia Kruszewski, 810-441-9947 Ferd Hoefner, 202-547-5754   FDA Final Rule Provides Needed Clarity for Local Food Producers Washington, D.C., July 13, 2016 – The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) welcomes the issuance of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) final rule amending the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements for food […]