Ten years ago, on January 4, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law and Congress’ mandate was clear: It’s not enough to respond to outbreaks of foodborne illness. We must prevent them from happening in the first place.

Because of FSMA, those who grow, produce, pack, hold, import and transport food are now taking concrete steps every day to reduce the risk of contamination. The result is safer food in this country, whether that food is produced domestically or imported.

The FDA is working diligently to ensure that remaining FSMA rules and related guidance documents are finalized and implemented. It is are building on its FSMA achievements through the New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative to create a more digital, traceable and safer food system.

In FDA Voices, Frank Yiannas, FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, looks at where they started, the progress that has been made through FSMA, and the work that’s ahead.

For More Information:

• The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
• New Era of Smarter Food Safety