As mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the majority of shippers, receivers, and carriers that transport human and animal food must implement sanitary transportation practices to mitigate food safety risks.  Large businesses had to comply with the new requirements since last April 6, 2017.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the final rule for the sanitary transportation of foods in April 2016. The rule is based on previous federal efforts, including the Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 2005, and aligns with other significant FSMA regulations to implement preventive controls for ensuring food safety from farm to fork.
The rule applies to the majority of operations that transport food in the United States by motor or rail as well as foreign entities shipping food to the United States in an international freight container by sea or air.  The requirements would not apply to the transportation of human food byproducts for use as animal food without further processing.  Also, operations with less than $500,000 in annual revenue would be exempt.

To prevent food safety risks during transport, the FDA rule established requirements for vehicles and transportation equipment, transportation operations, training of carrier personnel, and the maintenance of records. Temperature controls, protection of food from cross-contact, and the use of adequately cleanable equipment are identified in the rule as new requirements for transportation operations.
Addressing a significant number of comments from industry stakeholders, FDA softened its 2014 proposed regulatory requirements for sanitary transportation. In the final rule, FDA granted greater flexibility for some requirements, including less stringent mandates for temperature monitoring.  The final rule also addresses variances in the transportation practices for human food, animal feed and pet food.

While the final rule states FDA does not have jurisdiction over shipping to FSIS-regulated establishments, the FDA will share oversight with USDA when certain meat and poultry products are shipped from FSIS establishments to retail.  
Our Labeling and Regulatory Division can support every company who needs support to align with the new rules.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration