What is the purpose of the Food Safety Modernization Act?

The purpose of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is fundamentally to ensure the safety of the food supply and prevent foodborne illnesses. This landmark legislation, which was signed into law in 2011, represents a significant shift in food safety regulation, moving from a reactive approach—where the focus was largely on responding to food safety issues after they occurred—to a proactive one, where prevention is emphasized.

The FSMA provides the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with new authority to regulate the way foods are grown, harvested, and processed. It requires food producers to implement preventive controls to minimize the risk of contamination, both in food facilities and during transportation. The act also places a strong emphasis on imported foods, requiring that foreign suppliers implement safety measures equivalent to those required domestically.

While the act could have ancillary benefits related to agricultural innovation, organic farming standards, or global trade through improved food safety, its core mission is distinctly focused on preventing foodborne illness outbreaks and safeguarding the public health through a safer food supply.