IDFA released this week its updated Food and Drug Administration inspection guide to cover key aspects of the Food Safety Modernization Act and to highlight what companies need to do during a recall. The “Guide to FDA Inspections & Preparing for a Recall” is intended to help dairy companies understand their rights and obligations with respect to FDA requirements and inspections, as well as those of the agency’s inspectors.

“The guide begins with an understanding that the industry and FDA share a common goal of assuring the safety and integrity of the nation’s food supply,” said John Allan, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs and international standards. “To provide a comprehensive outlook, IDFA worked with leading FSMA experts at Hogan Lovells. Their combined knowledge of the dairy industry and the law provides a powerful presentation that makes the guide a one-stop resource for dairy companies to use.”

Within FSMA, Allan said, FDA set new mandatory requirements that call for more frequent inspections than in the past. He believes the timely release of the guide will help dairy companies to be well prepared when FDA inspectors show up at their plants.

The 74-page publication is arranged in two parts. Part I includes a quick guide to FDA inspections, background information and guidelines regarding requests for records, samples and post-inspection procedures. Part II covers general information on recalls, how to develop a recall plan and details on the Reportable Food Registry. Each part contains sample forms and exhibits for quick reference.

The guide is available for sale in print and PDF formats, and members will receive discounts on both versions. The member price for the electronic version is $225, and the print version is $125. Visit the IDFA online bookstore for more details.

Members with questions may contact Allan at jallan@idfa.org.