FSMA Compliance Checklist

Most companies complain that it feels like walking in a fog to try to sort out FSMA rules, subsequent amendments, exceptions and Federal Registernotices. Additionally, there is always some question about which category is right for each business. 

Once that is determined, then, the maze of compliance dates has to be sorted through. Also, from time-to-time, FSMA gets behind in publishing a Model of Accreditation Standards or some other publication that is required to comply with a deadline date.

A Very Small Business has a total annual sale of human food of less than $1 million. Due to the small size, this category usually has three years to comply entirely with new legislation.  A Small Business, as defined by FSMA, employs fewer than 500 persons. This category typically has two years after the final rule to comply.  Finally, Other Businesses, anyone who does not fit into the other two categories, usually has to comply within one year.There is a significant time lapse from…