FSMA Sanitary Transportation Rule: A Guide for Industry
ID
FST-477NP
What is the Sanitary Transportation Rule?
The Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food Rule, often simply referred to as The Sanitary Transportation Rule, is enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the goal of protecting food during transport. This rule is one of the seven foundational rules of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. Contamination can occur at any point in the food supply chain, and actions must be implemented to mitigate these risks at all stages, including transport. Because of this, the Sanitary Transportation Rule contains transportation requirements to avoid potential food safety risks that may occur.
Why is this rule important?
While other guidance does exist for the transportation of specific food commodities, The Sanitary Transportation Rule provides all sectors of the food industry with broadly applicable recommendations. Previously, there have been incidents of food contamination and incidents in which food could become contaminated during transport signifying the need for implementation of this rule. Examples of such food safety events are highlighted in Figure 1 to the right.
Who is covered?
The rule applies to shippers, receivers, loaders, and carriers who transport food in or to the United States by motor or rail vehicle. However, there are some exceptions and waivers to the rule. Refer to the FSMA FDA Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food for more information.
What is covered?
As stated in the rule title food and animal food are covered by this requirement. Food at all production stages, raw materials, ingredients, and finished food, for human or animal consumption is covered.
Animal food specifically includes pet food, animal feed, raw materials, and ingredients intended for animal consumption. However, select foods are exempt from this rule, such as foods fully enclosed in a container that does not require temperature control. Certain foods may be easily identified as covered, while others may not be.
Key Rule Requirements
The rule focuses on requirements in four main areas:
- Vehicles and Transportation Equipment
- Transportation Operations
- Training
- Records
Vehicles and Transportation Equipment
The vehicle and transportation equipment’s design and maintenance must not cause the food to become unsafe during transport. For example, the vehicle design must be adequately cleanable, temperature- controlled products must have adequate temperature control, and pest prevention during vehicle storage.
Transportation Operations
During transportation, actions need to be taken to ensure safe food transport. This includes but is not limited to preventing cross-contact between ready- to-eat and raw foods, foods and their environment, and any other contamination that may occur.
Training
Carrier training is required for all personnel involved in transportation operations when the carrier is responsible for the sanitary conditions of the load.
Carriers and shippers should discuss responsibility designations before transporting.
Records
Written procedures, agreements, and training must be kept for the required time. Required times vary based on the record, however, the time never exceeds 12 months. Shippers, receivers, loaders, and carriers have different record requirements.
Potential Problem Areas
The FDA has identified several problem areas where contamination during food transport is likely to occur. Examples include:
- Improper refrigeration or temperature control
- Improper packing of transportation units
- Improper loading and unloading practices, conditions, or equipment
- Lack of training
An extensive list of problem areas and ways to address these problems can be found in the FDA’s Guidance for the Industry: Sanitary Transportation of Food.
How to meet the rule’s requirements?
There are several recommended resources available to the industry to ensure compliance with the regulations, such as:
References and Resources
Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FSMA Technical Assistance Network (TAN). Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-technical- assistance-network-tan
Food and Drug Administration. (2018). FSMA Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human Food. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-final-rule- sanitary-transportation-human-and-animal-food
Food and Drug Administration. (2017). Small Entity Compliance Guide: Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food: What You Need to Know About the FDA Regulation. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/small-entity-compliance-guide-sanitary-transportation-human-and-animal-food- what-you-need-know-about
Food and Drug Administration. (2017). Training for Carriers Covered by the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food Rule. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/training-carriers- covered-sanitary-transportation-human-and-animal-food-rule
Food and Drug Administration. (2010). Guidance for the Industry: Sanitary Transportation of Food. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance- documents/guidance-industry-sanitary- transportation-food#app
Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.
Publication Date
May 28, 2024
