FDA Food Facility Registration: Dairy Food Processors

 

To protect the U.S. public from an attack on the food supply, the FDA passed the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act). This requires food processors that manufacture, process, pack or hold food to register their facilities with the FDA. The purpose of registration is to allow the FDA to be able to locate and contact food processors that may be affected in case of a potential bioterrorism incident or a foodborne illness outbreak.

 

Dairy food processors are subject to these regulations, and the list of all foods that that are covered under this regulation can be found on the Penn State Extension website and the FDA website. The FDA website has several guidance documents and FAQs to assist you in this process.

 

Some dairy processors may be exempt from registering their facility, especially if their primary sales outlet is directly to consumers, such as at a farmers market or your own farm stand. To find out if you qualify for this exemption, see the guidance document and flow chart on the FDA website on exemptions for small-scale processors and retail establishments.

 

There is no fee to register your facility. Registration is done online at the FDA website for Registration of Food Facilities.