The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated their biennial FDA food facility registration requirements. Food facilities will be required to provide a Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) when registering with FDA or renewing FDA registration.

The FDA has provided guidance on recognition of acceptable UFIs. The FDA has also stated that they  recognize the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) as an acceptable UFI. All FDA-registered food facilities must renew their FDA registrations, including UFIs, between October 1 and December 31, 2020. This year’s renewal, and moving forward, the FDA will only accept electronic renewals unless the facility has received a waiver.

It should be noted that “updating” registration is a different function than “renewing” registration. If a registration is not renewed by Dec. 31, 2020, then the registration is considered expired and will be removed from accounts. The FDA has published guidance in the past, with instructions on biennial registration renewal.

Food facilities are required to renew their registration every other year, during the renewal period from October 1 to December 31. The FDA’s fact sheet on biennial registration renewal provides information and direction for renewals. Owners and operators of food facilities can renew their registration through their FDA Industry Systems account.

For further guidance or questions on renewals, please reach out to your Mohawk Global representative.

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