The Food and Drug Administration announced plans last week to hold three public meetings to focus on the strategic implementation of prevention-oriented import safety programs under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The public meetings will be held in different regions to allow importers and others an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the foreign supplier verification programs, accreditation of third-party certification bodies and FDA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program.

The first meeting will be held June 7 in Costa Mesa, Calif. The second will be held June 15 in Rutherford, N.J., and the third will be held June 21 in Detroit. Each will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. local time.

The meetings will cover the next phase of FSMA implementation related to import safety programs, including the need to establish an operational framework and plans for guidance documents, training, education and technical assistance. FDA wants to continue conversations and elicit ideas that will help the agency and stakeholders to work together on compliance with FSMA mandates and regulations.

To register, visit the online registration page or contact Peggy Walker at 214-384-0667 or pwalker@planningprofessionals.com.

For questions about the meeting, contact Juanita Yates, FDA, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at 240-402-1731 or Juanita.yates@fda.hhs.gov.