FDA Encouraging Voluntary Reporting of Temporary Closures

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday issued new guidance for regulated food production facilities to voluntarily report temporary closures or significant reductions in production during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reporting method may also be used to request communication with the FDA on issues related to continuing or restarting food production, or if a food producer is considering a temporary closure or reduction in operation due to COVID-19.

The FDA said the guidance was made available without prior public comment because such a comment period wouldn’t have been feasible or appropriate.

Covering human food facilities and farms, the new guidance does not apply to restaurant and retail food establishments.