7 Quick Q&As for FDA Food Facility Registration

The U.S Federal Food and Drug Administration has set a deadline for all non-exempt food facilities to register or renew their registration by December 31, 2022, otherwise, they will expire.  To help you meet the FDA food facility requirements the Argos Software team has put together some informational snippets below on how to get through the renewal process with ease.  

Why is FDA food facility registration necessary for growers, nurseries, and 3PLs? 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety of our nation’s human and animal food supply consumption. The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2002, amended by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) in 2011, requires FDA food facility registration every other year for safety purposes.

Without this crucial information, the FDA will not be able to identify locations or sources should problems arise from products being produced, warehoused, and sold in the U.S. or imported, potentially saving lives!  

Potential hazards include: 

• Microbiological hazards. Microbiological hazards include bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses.  
• Chemical hazards. 
• Physical hazards. 
• Allergens. 

Food facilities that do not register with the FDA by the December 31st deadline will have their domestic exports and/or foreign imports denied by the U.S. Customs Department. 

Does my food facility have to register or renew with the FDA? 

Food facility owners, operators, or agents in charge of a domestic or foreign facility engaged in the manufacture/processing, packing, or holding of food for human or animal consumption in the U.S., are required to register. 

How much does FDA food facility registration or renewal cost? 

There are no FDA fees for registering a food facility, but all foreign facilities must have a United States FDA Agent. Usually, the agent will be a third party, and the facility needs to pay for their service. Fees for U.S. FDA Agent services vary but typically include a free certificate of FDA registration.  

What information does the FDA need from my company? 

The FDA has officially announced that all renewing food facilities are required to furnish a Unique Facility Identifier (UFI). The only identifier accepted by the agency is Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS number which can be specifically assigned and managed through Dun & Bradstreet.  Since the FDA will no longer provide compliance flexibility when you register your food facility with the FDA, make sure that your contact information matches EXACTLY what is on file.

If there are any discrepancies in either the name or number then it will be rejected and withdrawn from circulation. You may access your own personal identification number on D&B’s Import Safety Lookup Portal.  

How can I renew my FDA food facility registration? 

With the FDA updated requirements, all registered businesses must now complete a renewal online through the agency’s portal using their account with FIS (FDA Industry System). 

Where can I find out more about FDA food facility registration? 

The Food and Drug Administration has released a user guide for registering your food facility. The comprehensive step-by-step instructions can be found on their website, which will help you through every part of the process from start to finish!  

Does Argos Software cater to different types of businesses? 

Argos is dedicated to providing the best business management software and support for growing businesses in specialized vertical markets like growers, nurseries, and 3PLs.  

Over the years, Argos has developed comprehensive solutions for a range of clients yet all on the same flexible and modular base. That means you don’t overpay for software that you aren’t going to use. As a matter of fact, Argos software offers a system without technical limits. 

From wholesale nurseries to processors, farm managers to shippers, Argos software solutions for growers, processors, and warehousers will help you run your business better. With over 40 years of experience serving nurseries, farms, and other agribusinesses with our agricultural software for growers, Argos understands your unique needs, from seed to store shelf. Check out our reviews! 

In addition, Argos is better for 3PLs than the typical warehouse management system (WMS) software. It provides multiple levels of billing and handles the value-add services you provide for products not owned by you. The analytical reporting needed by 3PL warehouses is different, with more requirements to capture and display KPIs or provide process visibility. With software solutions from Argos Software, your food facility can have the inventory and cost management tools needed and specifically designed for your company and the way you work. 

Whether you are a general distribution, temperature-controlled, Haz-Mat, or value-add services provider, Argos Software is the right solution for your operation. To learn more, contact us today!