The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is the most sweeping food safety legislation in the U.S. in over 70 years and requires a dramatic shift in approach – to preventing foodborne illness rather than reacting to it. When FSMA was signed in to law in January 2011, FDA initiated a plan for responding to the many mandates within the law. Up until now, FDA has focused primarily on the rulemaking and guidance development process required to establish the new prevention-oriented standards, and FSMA implementation teams have developed ideas for how FDA can better oversee the food industry, strengthen the global food safety system, and enhance public health.  FDA published their Operational Strategy for Implementing the FSMA on May 2.  This strategy document is intended to guide the next phase of FSMA implementation by outlining broadly the drivers of change in FDA’s approach to food safety with respect to preventive controls in food and feed facilities, produce safety standards, and import oversight.  The strategy document provides a framework to guide FDA teams responsible for developing the specific strategies, capacity building, training, and operational plans needed to implement FSMA in these areas.  It also provides the basis for dialogue with FDA’s partner agencies, international organizations, the food industry, and growers concerning implementation of the FSMA rules.

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